X_STUDY provides the ability to create continuous contracts. A continuous contract chart contains several expiry months spliced together to form a seamless chart. You can create a continuous contract definition defining how and when the expiry months are spliced together, and then apply the definition to a product.

To create a Continuous Contract Chart, select Window | X_STUDY | Continuous Contracts from the X_TRADER Control Panel. This displays the Continuous Contracts dialog box.

Creating a continuous contract definition

To create a continuous contract

1. From the X_TRADER Window menu, highlight X_STUDY and click Continuous Contracts.
2. Click the Add button and enter the name of the new definition.
3. Select the month(s) to include in the continuous contract chart.
4. Select which month to display in the continuous contract chart where:
   • 1st Front Month displays the contract with the shortest time until expiration.
   • 2nd Front Month displays the contract with the second shortest time until expiration.
   • 3rd Front Month displays the contract with the third shortest time until expiration.
5. Select the number of calendar days and when to roll from one contract to the next.
   • Calendar days before expiration rolls to the next contract before the expiration.
   • Calendar days before start of exp. month rolls to the next contract before the start of the expiration month.
   • Calendar days after start of exp. month rolls to the next contract after the start of the expiration month.
6. Select or unselect the option to Adjust the back months by the closing price difference.
7. Click the Save button.

You successfully created a continuous contract definition.

Applying Continuous Contracts

To apply a continuous contract definition to a chart

1. Click the chart you want to apply the continuous contract to.
2. Type an exclamation point (!) The commandline displays a list of product root symbols available.

3. Type in the root symbol of the product.

   Example: If logged into a CME Gateway, typing !ES displays a list with ES as one of the products.

4. Select a definition from the commandline and press Enter. A continuous contract chart displays.

   Note: If you want to apply the default template press Enter after selecting the desired product.

You successfully applied a continuous contract definition.