Open and closed positions and stock index futures volatility

In this paper we analyze the relationship between volatility in index futures markets and the number of open and closed positions. We observe that, although in general both positions are positively correlated with contemporaneous volatility, in the case of S&P 500, only the number of open positions has influence over the volatility. Additionally, we observe a stronger positive relationship on days characterized by extreme movements of these contracting movements dominating the market. Finally, our findings suggest that day-traders are not associated to an increment of volatility, whereas uninformed traders, both opening and closing their positions, have to do with it.

Modeling of a solid-state bipolar blumlein generator for N stages

This paper models an n-stage stacked Blumlein generator for bipolar pulses for various load conditions. Calculation of the voltage amplitudes in time domain at the load and between stages is described for an n-stage generator. For this, the reflection and transmission coefficients are mathematically modeled where impedance discontinuity occurs (i.e., at the junctions between two transmission lines). The mathematical model developed is assessed by comparing simulation results to experimental data from a two-stage Blumlein solid-state prototype.