SpreadTrader for Futures
Instructions
Use the SpreadTrader to quickly create and trade calendar spreads for futures.
Create a Futures Spread
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Open SpreadTrader by right-clicking a contract on the trading screen and selecting Trading Tools and then SpreadTrader.
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Enter the underlying symbol and then select Futures Spreads for xxx, then choose the routing.
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In the SpreadTrader leg matrix, click a bid or ask price at the intersection of two legs to create the calendar spread.
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The SpreadTrader matrix automatically structures the spread to sell the nearby month and buy the distant month.
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Transmit the order from the Orders panel by clicking Transmit red button.
Background Colors in Quote Panel
The colors in the Description field of the Quote panel show you how far out from the current year the contract's maturity date is, at a glance. Industry-standard colors are defined below:
| Number of Years Out | Background Color |
|---|---|
| >1 | White |
| 2nd | Red |
| 3rd | Green |
| 4th | Blue |
| 5th | Gold |
| 6th | Purple |
| 7th | Orange |
| 8th | Pink |
| 9th | Silver |
| 10th | Copper |