Interactive Brokers Expands Hours for Forecast Contracts

Interactive Brokers expands trading hours for its Forecast Contracts. This move allows eligible clients to trade nearly around the clock, from Sunday through Friday. By extending trading hours, the company offers investors greater flexibility to manage risk and take advantage of market opportunities related to economic, government, and climate events, no matter when they arise. 

Forecast Contracts, also known as Event Contracts, are a type of binary option product where investors predict the outcome of significant events. Each contract presents a simple “Yes” or “No” question, such as, “Will the United States economy enter a recession by the end of Q2 2025?” Investors can then buy a position based on their outlook. These contracts are designed to be cost-effective and straightforward, making it easier for investors to engage with market events. 

Interactive Brokers Expands Hours for Forecast Contracts

Importantly, Interactive Brokers has decided to avoid offering Forecast Contracts related to sports events. In contrast, its competitor Robinhood has ventured into sports-related Event Contracts, including sports betting. However, Robinhood faced regulatory challenges earlier this year when its attempt to introduce a Super Bowl Event Contract was withdrawn after facing resistance from financial and gaming regulators. 

Steve Sanders, EVP of Marketing and Product Development at Interactive Brokers, commented, “Today’s markets react instantly to events happening across geographies and time zones. By extending trading hours for Forecast Contracts, we’re offering clients the flexibility to act on critical market developments as they unfold, regardless of when they happen.” 

Forecast Contracts are available across several of IBKR’s trading platforms, including IBKR Mobile, IBKR Desktop, Trader Workstation (TWS), Client Portal, and IBKR ForecastTrader. The pricing for these contracts ranges from USD 0.02 to USD 0.99, depending on the market’s assessment of the probability of each event. A correct prediction results in a USD 1.00 payout, while an incorrect one settles at zero. This setup offers investors a transparent and real-time gauge of market sentiment. Forecast Contracts are provided by ForecastEx LLC, a CFTC-regulated subsidiary of Interactive Brokers, and are available to eligible clients in the US, Canada, and Hong Kong.

Getting to Know the Stock Broker 

• Interactive Brokers offers competitive fees and global trading options. 
• Also, the platform is user-friendly and cost-effective, with competitive spreads. 
• It also provides a straightforward trading experience for diverse needs. 
• Traders and investors can access a wide range of assets. 
• Novices may need time to master its robust tools. 

Also, check out Stock Brokers Reviews for the latest enhancements and take your trading to the Next level!