Derivatives trading spikes as investors embrace risk in volatile markets

Retail traders more likely to incur losses due to lack of experience or understanding

Published Fri, Jul 10, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

BROKERAGES are seeing a surge in the use of derivatives in uncertain times - a trend that they say reflects a lift in sophistication of retail investors here. But the risks of losses on these products are also higher, and the products are sometimes not well understood.

Derivatives markets have historically proven useful for generating gains in economic downturns, especially as investors can take advantage of leverage to boost returns.

Benjamin Yeo, head of derivatives dealing at Phillip Futures, told The Business Tim…