This is done by multiplying contract value times the maximum possible change in price observed in the last three-year period. Thus, all numbers in this column have an equal dollar value. Columns indicating percent margin and effective percent margin provide a helpful comparison for traders who wish to place their margin money efficiently. Theoretically, trading activity can serve as a proxy for trading liquidity and equals the total volume for a given period expressed as a percentage of the total number of shares outstanding. This value can be thought of as the turnover rate of a firm's shares outstanding.
Futures is a reference chart for speculators.
Each is a proportional measure and is meaningful only when compared to others in the same column. Return to Back Issue Archive or October Contents page. Inc. All rights reserved. Free E-mail Newsletter.