Investor Type, Transaction Fees, and Single-Stock Futures

Abstract

This study, using a dataset from the Options Clearing Corporation, examines the type of investor that aided in the development of single-stock futures. In March 2005, OneChicago instituted a discounted trading fee program for its member firms that is attributed as a primary reason that the depth and breadth of single-stock futures trading by institutions has increased so dramatically above the trading volume of individuals, who were primarily responsible for the market's initial growth.