The IBKR ForecastTrader platform continues to grow as investors have been turning to predictive contracts to invest, speculate, hedge and engage in arbitrage operations. The marketplace addresses a wide variety of topics, such as economic indicators, capital markets, politics and climate change. These instruments ask questions, such as “Will Jun-25 CME E-mini S&P 500 Index Futures settle above $6,050 on June 12, 2025?” Investors purchase either “Yes” or “No” answers and if their answer is correct, they receive $1 for each instrument that they own.
The first large increase in transactions occurred during the 2024 presidential election. Even with the election occurring in November, investors closing out positions resulted in January’s average daily trading volume excluding weekends hitting 23,363 contracts.
Activity then moderated in February but then picked up as more investors became comfortable with contracts focused on economic indicators and other topics. For example, contracts addressing the Consumer Price Index and the fed funds rate have become among the most popular choices.
The launch of predictive contracts based on the settling prices of various index futures, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100, was another factor that grew activity. In April, the average daily metric was 18,656, but by May, it increased to 50,330. This month to date updated as of yesterday is much stronger at 196,266, over 8 times the January average. Furthermore, June 11 was the best day of the year so far, with daily volumes reaching 399,600 contracts, just shy of the 400,000 milestone.
Come join us on this exciting journey as we look to make this contemporary asset class a growing part of trading strategies and investor portfolios on an international scale. We are looking to build on this recent momentum and exceed the 1 million daily mark very soon! Thank you.
Source for Images: ForecastEx
Note: Prices are highest bids as of the morning of June 12, 2025.
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: 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: 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: 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.
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