Euro FX Futures

Since its introduction into world financial markets in 1999, the Euro has far exceeded the U.S. Dollar in world circulation. Today, more than €800 billion Euro notes are in circulation, largely aided by its adoption as the formal currency in the vast majority of European countries (e.g. Spain, France, Germany, Italy, etc.). However, the Euro has not escaped controversy, most notably with the UK’s refusal to convert currencies. This is due in a large part to the speculation that the Euro may eventually be dropped.

Euro FX Contract Specifications
Contract Size	125,000 Euro
Trading Hours	CME Globex: Sundays: 5:00pm – 4:00pm CT next day. Monday – Friday: 5:00pm – 4:00pm CT the next day, except on Friday – closes at 4:00pm and reopens Sunday at 5:00pm CT.
Trading Hours	CME ClearPort: Sunday – Friday 5:00pm – 4:15pm CT with a 45–minute break each day beginning at 4:15pm
Minimum Price Fluctuation	$.0001 per euro increments ($12.50/contract). $.00005 per euro increments ($6.25/contract) for EUR/USD futures intra-currency spreads executed electronically.
Product Code	CME Globex: 6E
	CME ClearPort: EC
	Clearing: EC
Listed Contracts	Twenty months in the March quarterly cycle (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec)
Settlement Method	Deliverable
Last Trade Date	9:16 a.m. Central Time (CT) on the second business day immediately preceding the third Wednesday of the contract month (usually Monday).
Settlement Procedures	Physical Delivery – EUR/USD Futures Settlement Procedures
Position Accountability	10,000 contracts
Block Trade Eligibility	Yes.
Block Minimum	150 Contracts
Exchange Rules	These contracts are listed with, and subject to, the rules and regulations of CME.
Source: CME Group

Euro FX Facts

Euro FX futures allow traders to assess value against the U.S. dollar, as well as the opportunity to address risk from currency fluctuations in other foreign trade markets.

Since the Euro is used in 17 of the 27 European Union countries, many times a Euro note is purchased in one country but spent or used in another country. This can create a cash flow issues in some areas and the European Central Bank is responsible for redistribution in order to prevent shortages.

Currency rates are determined by a one base currency quoted in relation to a different currency. Major currencies that are traded are floating. Central bank monetary policies can affect the value of currency. The European Central Bank regulates monetary policy for the Euro. For instance, low interest rates dictated as policy can be bearish for currency value because new money is being pumped into the market. This is unappealing to foreign investors because returns yield those low interest rates. In contrast, high interest rates set as policy are bullish and appealing to foreign investors because of high interest yields from the returns. Currency values can be also be affected by the nation’s current account balance. An excess or influx in the balance is considered to be bullish, while a deficit or drainage is considered to be bearish. Economic stability and investment in the country also help strengthen currency values because international investors are likely to buy into that country’s favorable markets.

Source: Barchart, European Central Bank

Last updated September 2015