This episode delves into the world of European dividends and the specialized futures and options markets used to trade them. Host Mark Longo is joined by Dr. Russell Rhoads (Indiana University), Lorena Dishnica (Head of Dividend Products, Eurex), and Sahand Taghizadeh (Head of Investable Stocks Benchmarks, STOXX). Key Differences: Unlike the U.S. with its quarterly payments and buyback culture, Europe favors annual dividends, with a "dividend season" in spring/summer. Dividend Futures: Eurex pioneered a listed market for dividend derivatives in 2008. These products allow traders to isolate and hedge dividend risk, which is a key need for banks that issue structured products. Analyzing the Market: The most liquid contracts are the annual Decembers. They can be used to gauge the market’s fundamental outlook, as their prices are sensitive to corporate cash flow forecasts and macroeconomic events. The Curve: The European dividend futures curve often shows a downward slope, known as backwardation, reflecting the heavy hedging activity. Listener Question: A listener asks about smaller contract sizes. While dividend futures are not yet micro-sized, the options on them offer a way for traders to manage their capital commitment.
Welcome to the European Market Brief, Episode 8! In this episode, we dive into a transatlantic financial showdown, comparing the European and U.S. markets. Join Mark Longo and special guests Russell Rhoads, Christoph Schon, and Zubin Ramdarshan as they explore everything from market concentration and volatility to the surprising resurgence of the European defense sector. Key Discussion Points & Timestamps [00:03:52] - Introducing the Panelists Host Mark Longo, CEO and founder of The Options Insider Radio Network Russell Rhoads, also known as "Dr. VSTOXX," from Kelley School of Business - Indiana University Christoph Schon, Lead Principal at SimCorp Zubin Ramdarshan, Global Co-Head of Derivatives Products and Markets at Deutsche Börse [00:10:07] - The US vs. European Market Structure [00:13:30] - Sector Trading in Europe [00:16:30] - The Small-Cap vs. Large-Cap Debate [00:18:48] - Recent Market Performance [00:23:38] - The Impact of US Headlines on Europe [00:27:10] - The European "Tech" Sector Analogs [00:29:40] - The Role of Earnings Season in Europe [00:32:04] - The Rise of the European Defense Sector [00:36:54] - Final Takeaways [00:41:26] - The Red Phone: Listener Q&A Regarding the Spread between VIX and VSTOXX & Zero-Day Options in Europe Where to Find Our Guests Christoph Schon: Learn more about his research and insights at https://simcorp.com/resources/insights. Zubin Ramdarshan: Connect with Zubin on LinkedIn (Zubin Ramdarshan) or explore product details at Eurex.com. Russell Rhoads: Follow Russell's research and commentary on Twitter: @RussellRhoads.
In this episode, the discussion centers around the basics of futures trading, including contract sizes, expiration, and margin requirements. Guests Russell Rhoads (Kelley School of Business, Indiana University), Rich Excel (Gies College of Business, University of Illinois) and Sascha Semroch (Eurex) join the talk, providing insights into how futures compare to stocks, the concept of contango and backwardation, and the nuances of trading VIX versus VSTOXX. The episode also addresses listener questions, covering topics such as the FX market in Europe, potential volatility catalysts in the EU, and strategies for trading VSTOXX. 01:22 Welcome to the European Market Brief 03:38 Meet the Experts: Russell Rhoads, Rich Excel & Sascha Semroch 06:13 Continental Conversations: Diving into Futures 06:54 Futures 101: Basics and Nuances 18:10 Understanding Futures Pricing and Expiration 21:30 Margin Rates and Capital Efficiency in Futures 26:32 Options on Futures: A Deeper Dive 28:38 Analyzing Volatility Futures in US and Europe 29:09 The Evolution of VSTOXX as a Standalone Product 30:31 Systematic Approaches to Trading VIX and VSTOXX 32:04 Pricing Nuances in VSTOXX and VIX Futures 34:46 Comparing Futures and Traditional Asset Classes 37:59 Final Thoughts on Futures Trading 43:50 Listener Questions: FX Market and VSTOXX vs VIX
In episode six of the European Market Brief, host Mark Longo is joined by guests Russell Rhoads (Indiana University), Nicolae Raulet (Eurex), Shawn Creighton (FTSE Russell), and Sandra Brekalo (Crypto Finance) to discuss the latest trends in the European derivatives and crypto markets. The episode covers the rise of crypto futures and options, institutional interest in crypto, recent price movements in Bitcoin and Ethereum, regulatory developments in the US and Europe, as well as the impact of AI on the crypto space. The hosts also dive into listener questions about staking rewards for Ethereum and share bold predictions for the future of the market. 01:22 Welcome to the European Market Brief 03:40 Meet the Guests 07:50 Diving into Crypto 09:00 Crypto Product Offerings at Eurex 14:17 FTSE Russell's Role in Crypto Benchmarks 19:07 The Evolution of Crypto Futures and Options 22:05 Current Trends in the Crypto Market 30:23 Institutional Demand for Crypto 35:03 Customer-Driven Exchange and Product Development 35:46 Institutional Demand and Crypto Market Dynamics 37:09 Indexing and Bite-Sized Products 38:53 Regulatory Uncertainty and Institutional Adoption 39:42 Evolution of Crypto Assets and Market Trends 44:02 Regulatory Developments in Europe and the US 49:09 Future Outlook and Bold Predictions 56:07 Listener Questions and Staking Rewards 59:01 Closing Remarks and Resources
This episode dives deep into the German derivatives markets, particularly focusing on the DAX index. Hosts and guests discuss the composition of the DAX, trading opportunities, and its significance to the European economy. The discussion includes insights from Tobias Inger of Eurex, who elaborates on the total return index and margin requirements. Morad Askar of Edge Clear shares his experiences and observations on trading the DAX, highlighting interest trends among US traders. Russell Rhoads provides comparative analysis with US markets, shedding light on near-dated options performance and market volatility. The episode also addresses listener questions about the impact of the Euro on FX trading and explores the implications for both European and global markets. 03:54 Meet the Guests 10:05 Continental Conversations: Focus on Germany and the DAX 12:09 DAX Market Insights and Trading Opportunities 22:16 DAX Futures and Options: Trading Strategies 28:30 DAX Margin Insights 31:07 Opportunities in the German Markets 31:38 European Derivatives Market Update 32:16 Trading Strategies and Client Perspectives 36:47 Micro and Mini DAX Contracts 44:16 Listener Questions: European FX Market 51:19 Conclusion and Resources
This episode of 'The European Market Brief' introduces listeners to the European derivatives and fixed income markets. Hosted by Mark Longo from the Options Insider Radio Network, the show delves into trading strategies, liquidity, and market trends specific to European rates, comparing them with US counterparts. Guests Russell Rhoads (Indiana University), Rex Jones (Eurex), and James Sewell (Marex) offer valuable insights into products like BUN, BOBL, and SCHATZ futures, and discuss recent market activities, including the impact of potential massive fiscal spending in Germany and ongoing global geopolitical tensions. The episode also covers the transition from LIBOR to alternatives like EUROSTR, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of current opportunities and challenges in the European trading landscape. 01:22 Welcome to the European Market Brief 02:32 Episode 4 Kickoff and Listener Appreciation 03:53 Guest Introductions: Russell Rhoads and Rex Jones 07:06 Guest Introduction: James Sewell 08:41 Continental Conversations: Exploring European Rates 10:14 Diving into European Rates Products 16:51 Comparing US and European Rates Markets 19:43 Liquidity and Trading Hours in European Rates 26:05 Open Interest and Speculative Activity 31:24 LIBOR Transition and New European Rates Products 33:14 Regional Differences in Interest Rates 33:51 Issues with LIBOR and Transition to New Rates 34:44 European Rate Products and Market Gaps 36:38 Short-Term Euro Interest Rate Futures 39:06 Option Strategies in European Rates 43:29 Divergence Between US and European Rates 51:44 Impact of German Fiscal Policies on Rates 53:56 Future Trading Opportunities and Market Catalysts 58:05 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of the European Market Brief, the host Mark Longo along with guests Russell Rhoads (Indiana University Kelley School of Business), Sophie Granchi (Eurex), and Patrik Herrmann (STOXX) delve into European derivatives markets, highlighting major indices like the Euro STOXX 50 and STOXX Europe 600. The discussion covers strategic insights into the unique trading opportunities and challenges in European equity markets compared to the US, touching on volatility trends and sectorial investments. The panel also answers listener questions, comparing VSTOXX with VIX, and explaining the impact of geopolitical events on volatility indices. 01:04 Welcome to the European Market Brief 02:31 Episode Three Kickoff & Meeting the Hosts and Guests 06:48 Diving into European Indices 08:48 Comparing European and US Markets 11:36 Exploring the Stocks Europe 600 19:50 Accessing European Markets 23:51 Overnight Desk: Market Activity 26:42 European Defense Sector Awakens 27:09 End User Insights from Sophie Granchi 27:59 Market Volatility and Client Behavior 30:03 Premium Harvesting in European Markets 32:39 VSTOXX and Volatility Trends 38:57 Listener Questions and Feedback 48:03 Closing Remarks and Resources
In this episode, host Mark Longo is joined by guests Russell Rhoads (Indiana University Kelley School of Business), Damien Zinck (Eurex), and Nick Cassano (Tradier) to delve into the dynamic world of European derivatives markets. The discussion encompasses various aspects such as the Euro STOXX 50 index, DAX futures, VSTOXX volatility index, and innovative trading strategies like one-by-two call spreads. The episode highlights the impact of market volatility driven by global trade wars and geopolitical factors on European markets. The experts also share insights into sector-specific futures and the growing interest in European derivatives among US investors. 01:22 Welcome to the European Market Brief 02:31 Episode Two Kickoff and Guest Introductions 07:26 Diving into the Euro Stocks 50 13:51 Exploring the DAX and Micro Contracts 17:42 Trading Strategies and Leverage in Futures 18:58 Understanding VSTOXX and Volatility 27:34 VSTOXX vs VIX: A Comparative Analysis 28:26 European Derivatives Market: Current Trends 29:13 Impact of Trade Wars and Geopolitics 36:20 Sector Futures and Trading Opportunities 42:33 Volatility Trading Strategies 46:07 Listener Feedback and Closing Remarks
In this inaugural episode of The European Market Brief, Mark Longo, from The Options Insider Radio Network, along with guests from EUREX, Interactive Brokers, and SimCorp, delve into the complexities of the current European derivatives markets. The episode covers how European markets have responded to recent tariff developments, with a specific focus on trading strategies, market insights, and volatility trends. Notable guests include Matt Koren from EUREX, Steve Sosnick from Interactive Brokers, and Melissa Brown from SimCorp, discussing everything from the impact of tariffs to the distinctions between US and European indices, and the importance of diversification in current markets. This episode also explores the potential longevity of the current trade detente and what investors should monitor moving forward. 00:00 Introduction to Options Insider Radio Network 00:53 Welcome to the European Market Brief 01:58 Inaugural Episode Kickoff 03:59 Meet the Experts 04:36 Understanding EUREX and European Markets 09:16 Impact of Tariffs on European Markets 22:09 Volatility in Global Markets 26:03 Navigating Market Volatility 27:07 Impact of Trade Wars on Volatility 28:33 Understanding VSTOXX and Its Market Impact 32:17 Retail Investors' Reactions to Market Changes 33:48 Comparing VIX and VSTOXX 37:35 Future Market Outlook and Diversification 47:45 Conclusion and Resources
We're excited to add a new show to the Options Insider Radio Network. Meet the European Market Brief, presented by Eurex. The European Market Brief discusses current activity across a broad spectrum of Eurex products (e.g. EURO STOXX®, VSTOXX®, DAX®, Euro-Bund, Euro-Bobl, Euro-Schatz derivatives, etc.). We look at trading activity across Eurex’s options and futures products. The program also features special guests discussing the unique developments in each respective market. Our first episode will be hosted as a Zoom webinar - we invite you to register for free and join our taping on Tuesday, May 13th at 10:00 am CDT. You can register at https://theoptionsinsider.com/shows/eurobrief