Options on ETF
Underlying issues
Units of an exchange-traded fund, subject to eligibility criteria set by the Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation (CDCC).
Eligibility criteria
Underlying issues must meet stringent eligibility requirements, including sufficient liquidity and market capitalisation.
Trading unit
One contract represents 100 units of an exchange-traded fund (may be adjusted for stock splits, distributions, etc.).
Expiry cycle
At a minimum, the nearest four consecutive months plus the next four months in the designated quarterly Cycle: March, June, September and December. The Bourse may list expiries over a period of two years and an annual expiry in January under such expiry Cycle.
Annual expiry of March for long term options.
Minimum fluctuation of the option premium
For options excluded from the penny trading program:
- Options priced below C$0.50 = C$0.01
- Options priced at C$0.50 or more = C$0.05
For options included in the penny trading program, all option series are quoted in increments of C$0.01, regardless of price level.
The premium per contract is obtained by multiplying the quote by 100 (e.g.: quote of C$2.75 X 100 = C$275).
For more information on penny trading, refer to circular 165-20.
Strike prices
At a minimum, five strike prices bracketing the current underlying issue's market price.
Contract type
American style.
Last trading day
The third Friday of the contract month, provided it is a business day. If it is not a business day, trading will cease on the first preceding business day.
Expiration day
The last trading day of the contract month.
Position reporting threshold
500 contracts on the same side of the market, in all contract months combined.
Position limit
- All-months position limit: information can be obtained from the Regulatory Division as they are subject to periodic changes. See the position limits page on the Regulatory Division website.
- Spot month position limit: not applicable.
Trading halt
A trading halt will be invoked in conjunction with the triggering of "circuit breakers" on the underlying issues.
Exercise
Via the Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation (CDCC).
Delivery
Via the CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc., on the first business day following the exercise date.
Trading hours
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The regular session opens at 9:30 a.m. Each option class will then open for trading when a trade occurs on its underlying issue on a recognised Canadian exchange. If no such trade has yet occurred, the option class will open for trading at 9:35 a.m.
Clearing corporation
Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation (CDCC).
Trading procedures
Please refer to the Rules of the Bourse.
The information contained in this document is for information purposes only and shall not be construed as legally binding. This document is a summary of the product's specifications which are set forth in the Rules of Bourse de Montréal Inc. ("Rules of the Bourse"). While Bourse de Montréal Inc. endeavors to keep this document up to date, it does not guarantee that it is complete or accurate. In the event of discrepancies between the information contained in this document and the Rules of the Bourse, the latter shall prevail. The Rules of the Bourse must be consulted in all cases concerning products' specifications.