Live from the Options Industry Conference - Mark is joined by Drew Shields and Adam Weyeneth from Symphono. Mark, Drew and Adam debate the merits of customized versus off-the-shelf trading solutions. They also discuss the ways that a niche options software developer can compete against behemoths like Microhedge. In addition, they explore the growing popularity of institutional trading products with retail options traders.
EXCLUSIVE OIC 2010 PANEL AUDIO - Our exclusive coverage of the 2010 Options Industry Conference kicks off with the opening remarks by ISE CEO Gary Katz. Those remarks are immediately followed by the Keynote Address from Jamie Brigagliano, Deputy Director of the Division of Trading and Markets at the SEC.
Contract volume has grown exponentially over the past decade, but the question remains whether that growth has come at a price. With an established exchange looking to go public, and upstart exchanges looking to carve out their own niches in this crowded marketplace, there has never been a greater focus on contract volume and market share. But this volume fixation has caused many to overlook the growing chasm between overall contract volume and the actual quality of the contracts being traded...
The OIC just released the findings from its latest collar study. The results reinforce the message that collars can play an important role in an equity portfolio. After all, downside protection is critical in any portfolio. Unfortunately, far too many equity investors learned that lesson the hard way over the past year. Collars provide crucial downside protection while still allowing investors to participate in some of the upside of their portfolio...
We are seeing a familiar refrain in the financial world these days. Regulators, politicians and even the financial media are jumping back aboard the "derivatives are evil" bandwagon. Although the collapse of AIG and other institutions cast an unwelcome spotlight on the derivatives market, the outcome wasn't entirely negative. All of the attention awakened the world to one inescapable fact...the U.S. derivatives market is fundamentally broken.
After a long and frustrating week, www.TheOptionsInsider.com is back and better than ever. And to show our appreciation to all of our loyal users, we're giving away the most sought-after gadget on the planet...
On paper, financial planners are a perfect fit for the options market. The vast majority of planners manage long equity portfolios for their clients. This should make them eager to use covered calls, protective puts and collars. But, even at a time when hedging and downside protection are on the minds of every investor, financial planners simply refuse to embrace these products. What will it take to bring these reticent planners, and the billions of dollars they shepherd, into the options game?
There has been a lot of talk about the explosion of options volume that took place in September. There certainly is a great deal to celebrate. Overall options volume jumped an incredible 84% from September 2007. But there was a disturbing surprise lurking beneath the surface of the options market last month....
There has been a lot of concern regarding the recent volume downturn in the options market. These concerns are understandable. After all, growth has been so strong in the world of options that many people now take repeated monthly volume records as articles of faith. Has the bloom finally come off the options rose? Are we fated to see a profound retracement in options volume as institutional and retail customers abandon the options market en masse?
The options market has made impressive technological advances in recent years. However, these advances have not extended to the world of online options information. To address this shortfall, www.TheOptionsInsider.com has developed a wide array of new features and upgrades for our users. From New Iphone Applications to targeted email alerts, widescreen monitor support and new RSS functionality, there is something for everyone. And this is only the beginning...
The CME Group recently completed its acquisition of NYMEX. Is this deal beneficial for the derivatives marketplace or will the growing shadow of the CME leviathan overwhelm any benefits?
The options market has been growing at an amazing clip for the past seven years. While other financial markets have stagnated, new entrants continue to flood into the options pits and bins. Yet, in the same month that the options industry posted 40% gains, the CME suffered its second consecutive volume decrease. In an environment where dramatic year-over-year volume increases are expected, the recent downturns at the CME are troubling...
With their shareholders out for blood, the CEOs of the major airlines are using the derivatives markets as a scapegoat. In an appalling open letter to their customers, and on a misleading new website (www.stopoilspeculationnow.com), these CEOs have become the latest to join the fear mongering chorus against derivatives speculation. Now it's time to fight back...
How will the recent flurry of exchange mergers and acquisitions affect the options market? It's time to check the scorecard in the ongoing battle between the CBOE, ISE, NYSE, AMEX, PHLX, BOX & NASDAQ...
How will the 34% surge in the VIX affect the options market? It's time to check the scorecard in the ongoing battle between the CBOE, ISE, NYSE, AMEX, PHLX, BOX & NASDAQ...
Assuming that the settlement deal is approved, the CBOE will finally be free to explore the IPOs, mergers and acquisitions that have consumed the options world in recent years. As the current king of the options hill, and the only major options exchange without an owner/controlling partner, the CBOE is now the bell of the ball. Will its suitor be NYSE Euronext?...CME? ...or is there another name lurking in the shadows?
The irony of this entire situation is that the exercise right, and the legal battle surrounding it, have been major stumbling blocks for both exchanges...
A few weeks ago, the derivatives market received news that cheered some observers and frustrated many more. After a long, and often ridiculous, legal battle, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) finally buried the hatchet. But what lies ahead for these two derivatives powerhouses...?
My conversation with the OIC's Phil Gocke (tune in to Options Insider Radio Episode 17 for more information) prompted quite a few questions about the collar study we discussed. Many listeners wanted to know more about the study along with where they can review the results for themselves...
Hosting an annual conference in Las Vegas is a trivial thing for most industries. But when your industry is perceived as a den of gamblers, thieves and worse, it takes on a whole new meaning...
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