Trading volume and value of KOSPI 200 Futures on CME Globex were 7,448 contracts, KRW 810.9 billion, respectively on May 6, thus setting a new record. The trading was brisk right after the opening of markets in New York, showing transaction of 2,565 contracts in two hours, i.e., 22:30 ~ 24:30 in Korean time. The previous record was set on April 27, 2010 with the trading volume of 4,827 contracts and trading value of KRW 540.6 billion.
Trading of KOSPI 200 Futures on Globex platform, which was launched in November 2009, starts at 18:00 hour (after the trading sessions of KRX close for the day) and closes at 05:00 in the next morning.
As the overseas markets, including NYSE and Nasdaq, plunged because of the fear that the financial crisis of EURO zone may not be contained and spread to other regions, the demand for KOSPI 200 Futures soared largely to hedge the growing volatility risk during the regular session of KRX.
The average daily trading volume of KOSPI 200 Futures on Globex platform has been increasing considerably since mid-April. That is, the average daily trading volume that was less than 2,000 contracts jumped to 3,522 contracts after April 16, 2010. The KRX will allow the routing of orders directly using the internal systems of KRX member companies on June 7, 2010 and expect that this change of market regulation will boost the trading of KOSPI 200 Futures on Globex Platform further. (KRX)