Tumble in F&O volumes raises questions on where the money might have headed
Mint Chennai|December 31, 2024
In the past three months, the Nifty 50 has fallen 8.5% while the Nifty Smallcap 250 has dropped just 5%
Dipti Sharma

With trading volumes in F&O (futures and options) shrinking dramatically, a pressing question emerges: Where did these volumes go? Some experts speculate the volumes might have shifted to small-cap stocks in the cash market.

To protect investors and rein in speculative trading, India's markets regulator took decisive measures targeting the derivatives segment (F&O), including reducing weekly option products that dominated trading volumes. This has led to a sharp decline in the total F&O turnover since November.

The ripple effects are visible in the cash market as well. After peaking in July, the daily average turnover has been falling, particularly in large-cap and mid-cap segments.

Adding to this narrative, a YES Securities report dated 17 December highlighted a sharp decline in the five-day average NSE total F&O turnover, from ₹413 trillion in January to ₹186 trillion in December.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT CHENNAIView all
Mint Chennai

Kick off the new year with fresh games

Despite a typical slow pace, Jan 2025 features several new game releases

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

A flagship to challenge most top smartphones in 2025

The vivo X200 Pro may emerge as the camera phone to beat in 2025. What else does the flagship have going for it?

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

CES 2025: What Lies Ahead in Tech This Year

With more powerful computing chips, the idea of PCs compact enough to be carried around in one hand is becoming real

time-read
4 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

Most favoured interpretations can prove unfavourable

India's stance on Switzerland's MFN status in a Nestle tax dispute has had adverse consequences

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

Elon Musk and his critics are wrong about free speech on X

Both sides of this divide must read the US First Amendment again

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

Monetary policy should lead the easing cycle our economy needs

Weak demand in the economy needs a response but budget tightening would mean the central bank must look for easing space

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

Revision of the inflation gauge: Handle with care

India's consumer price index should be revised on the basis of the latest survey of household consumption expenditure, but with nuances of the country's situation kept well in mind

time-read
2 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

May 2025 spell climate hope after a super-warm 2024

Let's harness the negativity bias that humans are predisposed to for measures aimed at faster climate action

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

India Needs a Tad More Ambition and Resolve to Boost GDP Growth

We must focus on long-term fixes rather than near-term uncertainties for fast economic expansion

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Mint Chennai

Insights on When to Step Back From the Stock Market

The stock surge since 2020 has made it harder to convince investors to step back if needed

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025