A large number of transactions on futures markets are accomplished in the form of the purchase and sale of spreads. However, information available on this topic is extremely limited. At the same time, working with spreads is a day-to-day exercise for professional market participants. Professional traders, hedgers, and institutional investors actively use this interesting and complex tool over the course of their work. Various types of futures spreads are systematized in this book, fundamental factors influencing these spreads are examined in detail, and different spread analysis procedures are described. Questions on the structuring and mechanics of each individual spread are discussed, accompanied by examples and charts. The margin requirements for spreads are presented, and the tick size of a spread movement is calculated wherever possible. Furthermore, the question of using spreads as an investment tool is examined in detail, starting with the analysis of futures spreads for the purpose of assessing trade opportunities and ending with the formulation of a trading strategy and the compilation of a trading plan. This book targets practicing traders who want to expand the range of tools and strategies they use, investment bank and finance company employees, students at institutions of higher education, and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of the functioning of futures markets and to familiarize themselves with such an interesting tool as a futures spread in greater detail. It may be of special interest to beginning individual investors who want to take advantage of the relatively predictable and low-risk strategies that are possible when working with spreads.
