Thanks for the reply. I just rang E-trade and apparently they don't offer trading in index options....... I guess I shoulda been more careful when looking. The obvious question now becomes does anyone know a simple to use platform in which I can buy puts on the XJO? I know IB will be recommended but I'm not going to be trading options, just looking for a leveraged bet against the s&p200. Plus IB has a monthly fee unless u trade a certain times a month which as someone who isn't going to trade will be expensive.