Nasdaq has filed a request with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list binary options tied to the Nasdaq‑100 index and its smaller micro version.
Nasdaq’s filing follows Cboe’s similar plans to offer prediction‑style derivatives. Both exchanges are responding to investor demand for simplified ways to speculate on short‑term market movements. The move would allow traders to make yes‑or‑no bets on the index’s direction, expanding event‑style trading into U.S. equity markets.
Demand Grows for Event-Based Trading
Under the proposal, each contract would be priced between one cent and one dollar and pay a fixed amount if the condition is met, expiring worthless otherwise.
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The structure resembles prediction‑market contracts used on crypto platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, where prices reflect the perceived odds of an event. While prediction‑market platforms are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Nasdaq’s binary options would be subject to SEC oversight.
Crypto companies are also advancing into the space. Coinbase has launched prediction markets for political and economic events, and Gemini received CFTC approval in December to operate as a designated contract market for event‑based trading.
