A computer network and method for electronically trading derivatives. One
preferred method of trading includes providing indicative quotes to
market participants (which typically includes subscribers, but may also
include market makers) to provide a non-binding indication of how the
market makers are likely to price the particular derivative. A
participant may then submit an RFQ, which is a request for a binding
quote for the derivative. The RFQ preferably causes the current order
book to be displayed on all subscribers' terminals, typically in the form
of a row indicating the derivative of interest along with the current
binding bid and binding ask prices. The indicative bid and ask prices may
also be displayed, as well as the quantity (if any) requested in the RFQ.
Market participants may then elect to submit an order for the
corresponding derivative. Typically, the market participants will await
an indication that a market maker has submitted a binding quote.