Eurex Launches QIS Futures: A Step Towards Listed Quantitative Strategies
Eurex, the international exchange, has begun trading futures contracts on quantitative investment strategies (QIS), initially focusing on long-only equity custom baskets. This launch, which commenced on February 27, 2026, represents a first step towards expanding the listed market to encompass more complex derivatives-based strategies, including equity dispersion and commodity carry .
What are QIS Futures?
QIS futures are financial contracts that allow investors to gain exposure to quantitative investment strategies. These strategies, employed by banks and investment firms, utilize mathematical and statistical models to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. Currently, the initial contracts offered by Eurex are based on long-only equity custom baskets, meaning they profit from increases in the value of a pre-defined group of stocks .
The Path to QIS Futures
Eurex initially announced plans to launch QIS futures in October 2025, engaging with three dealers to offer contracts on a selection of custom equity indexes . The exchange collaborated with QIS analytics firm Premialab to provide connectivity, data and risk services for these modern contracts . The global notional value of banks’ QIS businesses currently exceeds $700 billion, demonstrating significant growth in this area .
Why List QIS?
Listing QIS strategies as futures contracts offers several benefits. These include transparent clearing, sponsor liquidity, and a reduced balance sheet impact for participants . Eurex hopes that offering these listed products will entice banks to offer their proprietary indexes in a more accessible format .
Looking Ahead
The launch of these initial QIS futures contracts is viewed as a foundational step. Eurex intends to expand the range of available contracts to include more sophisticated strategies, such as equity dispersion and commodity carry, further developing a comprehensive listed market for quantitative investment approaches .