Trading Basics
Contract Length
The length of time a contract is open until it expires.
Other Trading Basics
Basis Point
A basis point is 0.01% and is typically used when quoting interest rate changes.
A move of 0.25% is described as 25 basis points.
Backwardation
Backwardation occurs when a bid price exceeds the ask price.
This usually occurs when stock is suspended or under a share repurchase scheme.
It can also mean that a futures contract will trade at a higher price when it is coming close to expiring.
The opposite of backwardation is known as contango.
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