Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

diablo272

Floor Traders

Recommended Posts

I've had the following questions regarding floor trading for a while now:

 

1. In the case of index futures, do the floor traders trade the full sized contracts? I'm guessing they can't trade the e-minis since I thought they were supposed to be fully electronic through Globex only. Either way, do we as screen traders (retail or institutional), have access to floor trade data? That is, if a floor trader makes a trade, would a screen trader be able to see it on T&S? When would it show up (I'm guessing there would be significant delay)? Does the price action on the floor have an effect on the price of the instruments we screen traders have access to? Or is it like the floor is its won market, and retail is different? I am asking about floors with a pit specifically, because I think exchanges like the NYSE don't have pits where trading takes place.

 

2. I realized I included all of my questions in #1.

 

Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  diablo272 said:
I've had the following questions regarding floor trading for a while now:

 

1. In the case of index futures, do the floor traders trade the full sized contracts? I'm guessing they can't trade the e-minis since I thought they were supposed to be fully electronic through Globex only. Either way, do we as screen traders (retail or institutional), have access to floor trade data? That is, if a floor trader makes a trade, would a screen trader be able to see it on T&S? When would it show up (I'm guessing there would be significant delay)? Does the price action on the floor have an effect on the price of the instruments we screen traders have access to? Or is it like the floor is its won market, and retail is different? I am asking about floors with a pit specifically, because I think exchanges like the NYSE don't have pits where trading takes place.

 

2. I realized I included all of my questions in #1.

 

Thanks!

 

Here's what I've seen and been told from guys in the business:

 

FLOOR TRADERS: While they are trading on the floor and may be trading pit sized contracts, they can in fact trade electronically as well. If memory serves, you can hear this being mentioned on a squawk service from time-to-time. I was told this from one of the creators of the T4 software that I used previously to moving to OEC. They actually created T4 for the guys in the pits and then branched out to retail.

 

In order for you to see the trade, you would need data on the pit traded contracts or know when a floor trader was using the electronic version.

 

As for the movements in the markets - pit vs. electronic - they are similar, but don't move in perfect harmony. For example, the S&P pit contract moves in .10 increments, while the ES moves in .25.

 

If you are wanting to know when these guys are trading w/o being there, my best guess is that a squawk service is the closest thing you will get - but bear in mind just b/c you might hear that Goldman is buying does not mean the market is going to go up right then and there. Maybe Goldman is unloading some shorts, maybe they are building a multi-week position, maybe their stop is at a level that you could not possibly stomach... I personally never got anything from a squawk.

 

Depending on your broker or data service, you might have pit traded data available or could add it on. Bear in mind that the volume on the pit traded contracts is significantly lower than the e-versions.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Diablo,

 

The floor traders do have access to the mini via handheld units and they also have clerks that can place emini orders for them. The floor has a major influence on the screen price at times and we cover this in the squawk service we provide from the floor. Please call me if you would like to discuss this topic further. Ben 773-580-7576

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
  benl said:
Diablo,

 

The floor traders do have access to the mini via handheld units and they also have clerks that can place emini orders for them. The floor has a major influence on the screen price at times and we cover this in the squawk service we provide from the floor. Please call me if you would like to discuss this topic further. Ben 773-580-7576

 

Ben - did you guys ever create a 'how to use our service' guide? I thought a number of months back you had mentioned something about doing a guide or some videos or something so that guys like me could see what value a squawk provides. I could be wrong, but I thought in another thread this was brought up and I don't recall seeing any updates.

 

Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Also don't forget that with most index futures the different flavours are fungible (mutually substitutable). However ES and SP (for example) are different instruments and trades are reported separately. Unless things have changed SP trades must be reported within 'X' minutes. X is relaxed to 'Y' if a market is declared as 'fast'.

 

Last time I watched both ES & S&P (which was a long time ago when the big contract was clearly the king), it was like watching an elephant (S&P) with flies (ES) on it's back. It would be interesting to compare now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The SP and ES can never get far away from each other as there are many arbitrage traders. They work in pairs communicating with radio head sets, one in the pit and the other sat in an office with electronic access.

 

Mainly they are just looking to get the 5 cents offered in the different tick sizes. Eg. buy 827.70 in the pit and sell 5x as many at 827.75 in the emini. As Ben so succinctly puts it "picking up nickels in front of a steamroller".

 

It's difficult to which leads the other as action in one will always be followed by the other. So I think they take turns depending on where the big players choose to strike.

 

I used Traders Audio for a long time and learned a lot about how trading works from Ben's commentary. The trading style I use now means I now longer use it but it was a valuable part of my education.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

We have done a few tutorials. The links are below. We also post regularly updated videos on YouTube - tradersaudio's Channel[/media]

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1ET89yymLY]YouTube - Squawk Tutorial - SIXTH - supply and demand[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DydWmbcfgaE]YouTube - Squawk Tutorial - FIFTH - top trading rules[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PffkcdSEHjs]YouTube - Squawk Tutorial - THIRD - million dollar secret[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2wICn2Q9Y0]YouTube - Squawk Tutorial - FOURTH - are you abnormal[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhYo1HpTkc]YouTube - Squawk Tutorial - SECOND - squawk to exit trades[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W0J3pDiOHg]YouTube - Squawk Tutorial - FIRST - what is squawk[/ame]

 

Edited by Soultrader

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 31st March 2025.   Trump Confirms Tariffs on All Countries, Sending Stocks Lower.   The NASDAQ continues to trade lower due to the US confirming the latest tariffs will be on all countries. In addition to this, bearish volatility also is largely due to the higher inflation data from Friday. The NASDAQ declines to its lowest price since September 11th 2024. Core PCE Price Index - Inflation Increases Again! The PCE Price Index read 2.5% aligning with expert forecasts not triggering any alarm bells. However, the Core PCE Price Index rose from 0.3% to 0.4% MoM and from 2.7% to 2.8% YoY, signalling growing inflationary pressure. This increases the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will maintain elevated interest rates for an extended period. The NASDAQ fell 2.60% due to the higher inflation reading which is known to pressure the stock market due to pressure on consumer demand and a more hawkish Federal Reserve. Boston Fed President Susan Collins recently commented that tariffs could drive up inflation, though the long-term impact remains uncertain. She told journalists that a short-term spike is the most probable outcome but believes the current pause in monetary policy adjustments is appropriate given the prevailing uncertainties. Although, certain investment banks such as JP Morgan actually believe the Federal Reserve will be forced into cutting rates. This is due to expectations that the economy will struggle under the new trade policy. For example, JP Morgan expects the Federal Reserve to delay rate cuts but will quickly cut towards the end of 2025. Market Risk Appetite Takes a Hit! A big factor for the day is the drop in the risk appetite of investors. This can be seen from the VIX which is up almost 6%, Gold which is trading 1.30% higher and the Japanese Yen which is the day’s best performing currency. Most safe haven assets, bar the US Dollar, increase in value. It is also worth noting that all indices are decreasing in value during this morning's Asian session with the Nikkei225 and NASDAQ witnessing the strongest decline. Previously the stock market rose in value as investors heard rumours that tariffs would only be on certain countries. This bullish swing occurred between March 14th and 25th. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump indicated that the upcoming tariffs would apply to all countries, not just those with the largest trade imbalances with the US. NASDAQ - Technical Analysis In terms of technical analysis, the NASDAQ continues to obtain indications that sellers control the price action. The price opens on a bearish price gap measuring 0.30% and trades below all Moving Averages on all timeframes. The NASDAQ also trades below the VWAP and almost 100% of the most influential components (stocks) are declining in value.     The next significant support level is at $18,313, and the resistance level stands at $20,367.95. Key Takeaway Points: NASDAQ falls to its lowest since September 2024 as the US confirms tariffs on all countries, adding to inflation concerns. Core PCE inflation rises to 0.4% MoM and 2.8% YoY, increasing the likelihood of prolonged high interest rates. Investor risk appetite drops as VIX jumps 6%, gold gains 1.3%, and safe-haven assets outperform. NASDAQ shows strong bearish momentum, trading below key technical levels with support at $18,313 and resistance at $20,367.95. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • PM Philip Morris stock, top of range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?PM
    • EXC Exelon stock, nice range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?EXC
    • UTZ Utz Brands stock, watch for a bottom breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?UTZ
    • FL Foot Locker stock, nice breakdown follow through at https://stockconsultant.com/?FL
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.