What is portfolio margining and what do the recent PM changes mean for you?

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In today's market, most binary contracts fall into the category of event derivatives. While these binary event derivatives are intriguing, their unique nature and illiquid markets have prevented them from achieving broad acceptance.

Although most event derivatives products these days are called event futures, that name is very misleading. Since the term futures conjures up notions of unlimited risk in the minds of many investors, most purveyors of event derivatives have decided to limit the risk of their products by making them binary derivatives.

In today's market, most binary contracts fall into the category of event derivatives. While these binary event derivatives are intriguing, their unique nature and illiquid markets have prevented them from achieving broad acceptance.

Binary derivatives are all the rage these days. But what are these products and why should you be interested in them?

The bottom line is that a bad discount broker can wipe out years of commission savings with one big error. So, while the commissions may be cheaper at a discount broker, the end costs can be far more than you anticipate.

"Is he worth it?" Have you ever asked yourself this question after doing a transaction with a full service broker? If you could make a list of things he must do to earn your business, what would they be? See if these ideas make sense for your needs.

The first in a series of articles that peers behind the curtain of the options business. In the spotlight this week: the curious phenomenon known as preferenced trading.

The first in a series of articles that peers behind the curtain of the options business. In the spotlight this week: the curious phenomenon known as preferenced trading.

The conclusion of our examination of trade crossing.

An Examination of How Trade Crossing Impacts the Options Markets.