Group 1 - The core concept of stock index futures trading is likened to sailing, where preparation, execution, and risk management are crucial for smooth navigation in the market [1] Group 2 - Prerequisites for stock index futures trading include a minimum margin account balance of 500,000 yuan, basic knowledge of stock index futures, and a record of simulated trading or commodity futures trading [2] - The process of opening a stock index futures account involves selecting a qualified futures company, providing identification and bank details, filling out risk assessment questionnaires, signing agreements, and depositing margin [2][3] Group 3 - Familiarity with trading software is essential, as it includes sections for market data, trading, and positions, similar to a car's dashboard and cockpit [4] - New traders are encouraged to practice in a simulated environment to become proficient before engaging in real trading [4] Group 4 - The main steps in stock index futures trading are opening a position, holding a position, and closing a position, with specific actions required for each step [6] - Different order types include market orders for immediate execution and limit orders for specific price targets [6] Group 5 - Margin management is critical in stock index futures trading, where investors only need to deposit a fraction of the contract value as margin [6] - For example, with a contract value of 900,000 yuan and a margin ratio of 10%, an investor would need to deposit 90,000 yuan [6] Group 6 - During trading, margin requirements may change with contract price fluctuations, and investors must maintain sufficient margin to avoid forced liquidation [7] Group 7 - Stock index futures contracts are settled in cash upon expiration, with automatic calculations of gains and losses based on the settlement price [8] - Investors are advised to close positions before expiration to avoid liquidity issues and increased trading costs [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article explains how the settlement price of stock index futures is determined, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and resistance to manipulation in its calculation methods [1]. Group 1: Calculation Methods - The most common method is the arithmetic average, exemplified by the China Financial Futures Exchange (CFFEX) using the last two hours' average price of the CSI 300 index on the last trading day [4]. - During the last trading day from 13:00 to 15:00, index points are recorded every 5 seconds, and the arithmetic average of all points is taken as the settlement price [5]. - The purpose of extending the calculation period and high-frequency sampling is to reduce the impact of single trades or short-term fluctuations on the settlement price, thus preventing market manipulation [6]. Group 2: Specific Calculation Examples - The Singapore Exchange (SGX) uses the closing price of the index on the last trading day for its FTSE China A50 index futures [7]. - This method is simple but may increase market volatility risk during the closing period due to concentrated trading by participants [8]. - Some exchanges may use a volume-weighted average price (VWAP) that combines price and volume to calculate the average [9]. Group 3: Design Logic - The design logic aims to prevent market manipulation; using only the closing price could allow large players to influence the settlement price through significant trades at the last moment [11]. - The calculation period is typically chosen during active market hours to ensure that prices reflect supply and demand accurately [11]. - The rules for calculating the settlement price are clearly defined at the contract's listing, ensuring transparency and predictability for all participants [12]. Group 4: Role of Settlement Price - The settlement price serves as the basis for cash settlement in stock index futures, directly determining the profit and loss for both long and short positions [12]. - The convergence of the settlement price with the spot index on the expiration date is fundamental for the basis of arbitrage between futures and spot markets [13].