I like a few high-conviction combination trades heading into tomorrow’s economic indicator expirations, including building permits, housing starts, and Hong Kong’s first-quarter GDP.
For permits, I like buying the “Yes” answer at the 1.40 million threshold for $0.90 and the “No” answer at 1.50 million for $0.70. The combination trade costs a total of $1.60 and would deliver $2.00 to the investor on a number as low as 1.41 million or as high as 1.50 million. In addition, I also like the prices on the “Yes” answer at 1.35 million and the “No” answers at 1.55 million, 1.60 million and 1.65 million, which range from $0.82 to $0.96.




For starts, I like the “Yes” answer at the 1.30 million threshold for $0.85 and the “No” answer at 1.50 million for $0.88. The combination trade costs a total of $1.73 and delivers $2.00 back to the investor on a number as low as 1.31 million or as high as 1.50 million. In addition, I also like the price for the “No” answer at 1.60 million for $0.93.




Looking to Asia, Hong Kong’s GDP grew at 3.1% year over year during the first quarter, according to the initial estimate. Tomorrow’s revised number is likely to range from more than 0.3% lower to more than 0.6% higher, so I like buying the “Yes” answer at the 2.7% threshold for $0.95 and the “No” answer at 3.7% for $0.93. The combination trade costs a total of $1.88 and delivers $2.00 back to the investor on a figure as low at 2.8% or as high as 3.7%, offering a buffer to the investor in case of a miss or beat.


Source for Images: ForecastEx
Note: Prices are highest bids as of the morning of May 15, 2025. Red circles around the thresholds were inserted by J. Torres to highlight his preferred “Yes” and “No” answers throughout different thresholds.
To learn more about ForecastEx, view our Traders’ Academy video here
Disclosure: Interactive Brokers Affiliate
Information posted on IBKR Campus that is provided by third-parties does NOT constitute a recommendation that you should contract for the services of that third party. Third-party participants who contribute to IBKR Campus are independent of Interactive Brokers and Interactive Brokers does not make any representations or warranties concerning the services offered, their past or future performance, or the accuracy of the information provided by the third party. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This material is from IBKR Macroeconomics, an affiliate of Interactive Brokers LLC, and is being posted with its permission. The views expressed in this material are solely those of the author and/or IBKR Macroeconomics and Interactive Brokers is not endorsing or recommending any investment or trading discussed in the material. This material is not and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. It should not be construed as research or investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or commodity. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.
Disclosure: ForecastEx
Interactive Brokers LLC is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and a clearing member and affiliate of ForecastEx LLC (“ForecastEx”). ForecastEx is a CFTC-registered Designated Contract Market and Derivatives Clearing Organization. Interactive Brokers LLC provides access to ForecastEx forecast contracts for eligible customers. Interactive Brokers LLC does not make recommendations with respect to any products available on its platform, including those offered by ForecastEx.
Disclosure: Forecast Contracts
Forecast Contracts are only available to eligible clients of Interactive Brokers LLC, Interactive Brokers Canada Inc., Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited, Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited and Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Disclosure: ForecastEx Market Sentiment
Displayed outcome information is based on current market sentiment from ForecastEx LLC, an affiliate of IB LLC. Current market sentiment for contracts may be viewed at ForecastEx at https://forecasttrader.interactivebrokers.com/en/home.php. Note: Real-time market sentiment updates are only active during exchange open trading hours. Updates to current market sentiment for overnight activity will be reflected at the open on the next trading day. This information is not intended by IBKR as an opinion or likelihood of a potential outcome.
Disclosure: Forecast Contracts Risk
Futures, event contracts and forecast contracts are not suitable for all investors. Before trading these products, please read the CFTC Risk Disclosure. For a copy visit our Warnings and Disclosures page.
Disclosure: CFTC Regulation 1.71
This is commentary on economic, political and/or market conditions within the meaning of CFTC Regulation 1.71, and is not meant provide sufficient information upon which to base a decision to enter into a derivatives transaction.
Join The Conversation
For specific platform feedback and suggestions, please submit it directly to our team using these instructions.
If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services.
We encourage you to look through our FAQs before posting. Your question may already be covered!