FXCM Ger30 use to be close to the Dax Futures (on TradeStation) but over past few months its started to lag behind. Right now by about 30 points, not even close to Dax Index. Have asked FXCM but got the company line, does anyone know what's happening?

futurenets 

FXCM Ger30 use to be close to the Dax Futures (on TradeStation) but over past few months its started to lag behind. Right now by about 30 points, not even close to Dax Index. Have asked FXCM but got the company line, does anyone know what's happening?

We just rolled over the futures contract so now you're seeing a typical three month premium. The real Xetra cash index is also about 30 away from the Eurex June future today. You may have been looking at the 06-16 future all along, usually the first two or three are available - OR - FXCM Ger30 is the cash index, some CFD providers call it one thing but mean the other.

futurenets 

FXCM Ger30 use to be close to the Dax Futures (on TradeStation) but over past few months its started to lag behind. Right now by about 30 points, not even close to Dax Index. Have asked FXCM but got the company line, does anyone know what's happening?

Hi Futurenets, thanks for your question.

I believe Ratfink has correctly identified the reason for the price discrepancy you see. FXCM's stock index CFDs such as GER30 are based on the cash index price, not the futures price.

you're absolutely right but in addition I was also using a continuous contract and March 16 is closer.

Jason Rogers 

Hi Futurenets, thanks for your question. I believe Ratfink has correctly identified the reason for the price discrepancy you see. FXCM's stock index CFDs such as GER30 are based on the cash index price, not the futures price.

Thanks @Jason Rogers, to be fair sometimes they wander between the two as well, particularly near rollover times. What I said about Finspreads (in a different thread) is not quite correct (but I ran past the forum edit-post 24hr window), theirs usually tracks the cash as well, but can be with an offset (of e.g. currently 5 points) towards a recently rolled future.

At the end of the day there are now several products in the field that are worthwhile routes to market, move well and provide good fills. As with all endeavours caveat emptor, but I have usually found that losses are more to do with poor trades than a poor platform. I may look at the FXCM route as well, I enjoy the flexibility of small scale testing of ideas via spreadbet/CFD amounts, and one day I might get even one good enough to be worth scaling up for.

Cheers

ratfink 

Thanks @Jason Rogers, to be fair sometimes they wander between the two as well, particularly near rollover times. What I said about Finspreads (in a different thread) is not quite correct (but I ran past the forum edit-post 24hr window), theirs usually tracks the cash as well, but can be with an offset (of e.g. currently 5 points) towards a recently rolled future. At the end of the day there are now several products in the field that are worthwhile routes to market, move well and provide good fills. As with all endeavours caveat emptor, but I have usually found that losses are more to do with poor trades than a poor platform. I may look at the FXCM route as well, I enjoy the flexibility of small scale testing of ideas via spreadbet/CFD amounts, and one day I might get even one good enough to be worth scaling up for. Cheers

I appreciate your feedback. Since you live in England, spread betting is indeed a route you may want to consider for the tax benefits.