Micro Futures Options Trading Platforms (Short Sellers, Spread Traders)

In this article, we are going to explore some trading platforms that in our opinion are most appropriate for short sellers and spreads traders of Options Futures.  The selection is comprehensive and allows you to decide what is most appropriate for you. We provide full support and on-boarding for the platforms mentioned below.

  1. Optimus Flow: Optimus Flow is our signature trading platform that allows traders to create and analyze option trading strategies or profiles, as well as option Greeks. Switch between various options “Greeks” risk profiles for advanced analysis. Get extended information about the current prices of Call and Put options with their Greeks, implied volatility and open interest. The industry-standard view of the options desk allows you to display several series at the same time with a custom depth of strikes.
  2. OAK Software: This is a software that is native to the ADM Investor Services clearing firm. One of the main advantages of this software is its simplicity of execution and the fact that back office cash is tied to this. So any deposits and withdrawals would be reflected in the software. The ADM portal allows creating “what if” scenarios that will show you the effect on your margins and cash.
  3. CQG Trader: Pure execution platforms with good Depth of Market (DOM) order placement.  This is is the most widely used product for executions amongst the CQG platforms. The interface is intuitive and very easy to execute on.  You can trade spreads, single Options Futures, and/or futures contracts directly. The P&L tracking is organized well along with open orders and existing positions. You can open a number of DOMs and place your orders on a number of products.
  4. QST (Quick Screen Trading)  This is one of the more professional tools and is used by large professional traders and FCMs.  QST Displays all the options in all months. Views include lasts, net changes, bids and asks, highs and lows for a given contract. So, in a single table, you can see all the calls and puts for all months for any contract. Multi-contract selection and multiple chains Display and real-time calculation of Greeks while you have the ability to toggle between one click trading or selection mode.
  5. CTS T4  All CTS products allow you to view and execute all exchange supported option outrights and spreads. View option chains and strategies in straightforward formats from our desktop application. When you find the right option, just click on it to open a new order ticket, depth of market, chart, and more. Pick and choose which Greeks you want to monitor, build and value custom spreads in real time, and execute trades confidently. Heat maps provide a quick visual confirmation of advantageous trades, while a portfolio analysis tool ensures you don’t overlook the big picture.

If you need help to pick an Options Futures platform, please call us at 1 800 771 6748 local 561 367 8686. You can also email us at general@optimusfutures.com

There is a substantial risk of loss in futures and options futures. Past performance is not indicative of future results.  Options buyers may face the risk of losing the entire premium plus commissions while options sellers face the risk of unlimited loss plus commissions.

CME Micro contracts generally have a value and margin requirement that is one-tenth (10%) of the corresponding regular contract.  The cost of trading Micro contracts is higher than regular contracts when measured as a percentage.  Commission rates are not always one-tenth of the rate for regular contracts. Exchange and NFA fees are not proportionately reduced.  Frequent trading of Micro contracts further compounds the cost disparity. Futures transactions are leveraged, and a relatively small market movement will have a proportionately larger impact on deposited funds.  This may result in frequent and substantial margin calls or account deficits that the owner is required to cover by depositing additional funds.  If you fail to meet any margin requirement, your position may be liquidated, and you will be responsible for any resulting loss. 

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