Moscow Exchange launches options on US 500 Index futures

On 16 January 2019, Moscow Exchange will launch trading in options on the US 500 Index futures contract.

The options contracts will expire on the third Thursday of March, June, September and December. The first expiration date will be 21 March 2019. 

The new instruments expand trading and investing opportunities for Russian market participants and their clients in global securities. Offering trading in options on futures of the US stock index is part of MOEX’s strategy of providing access to popular global financial instruments for institutional and private investors. Participants are now able to trade these instruments within Russian jurisdiction using mechanisms they are familiar with, as well as benefitting from the advantages of on-exchange trading: pricing transparency, liquidity and reliable infrastructure.

US 500 Index Futures is the fastest-growing instrument amongst MOEX’s new futures offerings. In December 2018, the trading volume in the contract increased more than twofold to RUB 18.8 bln (USD 280 mln) compared to November 2018. Over 2,500 clients traded US 500 Index Futures in December 2018.