Price discovery between regular and mini index futures in the Taiwan Futures Exchange

This study explores the dynamics of the price discovery process between the regular and mini index futures traded on the Taiwan Futures Exchange (TAIFEX). In contrast to the US futures market, the TAIFEX operates under an automated electronic trading system for both types of contracts. After controlling for the differences in the trading mechanisms, we demonstrate that mini index futures make a greater contribution than regular index futures to the price discovery process within the TAIFEX. Regression analyses show that both relative liquidity and relative changes in liquidity between regular and mini index futures contribute to the price discovery of the mini index futures.

► We examine price discovery between regular and mini index futures of TAIFEX. ► Different from US market, the two index futures trade on the same trading mechanism. ► The mini index futures make a greater contribution to price discovery. ► Relative and relative changes in liquidity contribute to the price discovery.