What's the meaning of BasicQuote.lLastSize = -1 ?

[Dierk Droth]

Hi,

On testing my app, I experienced that I get trade data from eSignal having BasicQuote.lLastSize = -1. I have seen this for indexes and futures.

What's the meaning of this data ? Is this "garbage" data ? Or is this a valid trade (for futures) or price data (for indexes) , where just the volume data is not available ?

Regards

[Dierk Droth]

Simon, Robi, anyone ?

[Guest]

A -1 is placeholder indicating there is no data. Consider it NULL. The volume data is not available.

[Dierk Droth]

Robi,

Thanks for reply. That's what I thought.

The questions are:
- What will it mean getting data for a tradable instrument (e.g. future) having volume = -1 ? not a valid trade -> can be ignored ? Or was the trade valid, but volume data is not available -> data should be processed ?
- What will it mean getting data for a non-tradable instrument (e.g. index) having volume = -1 ? invalid valid data-> can be ignored ? Or valid data -> has to be processed ?

Regards

[Guest]

Which symbols create this scenario?

[Dierk Droth]

Robi,

I tested "EC Z4" and "$SPX":
- this morning 04:18 AM EST: I got volume -1 for both
- 09:45 AM EST: I got volume -1 for both

1) Is the volume = -1 a standard value for non-tradables ?
2) The volume should be greater 0 for "EC Z4", right ?

Regards

[Dierk Droth]

Robi, what's the take here ?

[Dierk Droth]

Robi,

Here is my question:
Is BasicQuote.lLastSize == -1 on "EC Z4" a valid trade or garbage data which I have to filter ?

Regards

[Guest]

Well, "EC Z4" is a pit traded future of the Euro. There are not lot sizes traded in the pits, only on electronic exchanges, so I do not understand why you are asking about lot sizes on this symbol. If you would like to have lot sizes on this future you should used "E6 Z4". The value is -1 to signify that no volume exists for the trade. "$SPX" is an index, so again, volume information is insignificant.

[Dierk Droth]

Robi,

Thanks for letting me know.

Regards