The financial futures trading began in the early 70's in response to the fluctuations in interest rates, stock prices and exchange rates triggered by the implementation of the floating exchange rate system. The financial futures trading is now centere...
The financial futures trading began in the early 70's in response to the fluctuations in interest rates, stock prices and exchange rates triggered by the implementation of the floating exchange rate system. The financial futures trading is now centered around Chicago and has come a long way since then.
With capital market liberalization due to begin soon in Korea as part of the opening of the economy, financial futures trading is inevitable to minimize the price fluctuation risk that invariably goes with foreign currency trading and international securities trading. However, the introduction is hampered by several factors :
1. Foreign Currency Futures ; The exchange rate fluctuation tends to be easily predictable since it is adjusted under the Government intervention and there is a lack of experts on both foreign currencies and data service systems. Moreover, the forward exchange transactions have been successfully used to hedge against currency risk for sometime now.
2. Interest Rate Futures ; Interest rates are practically determined by the Government and the spot bonds market is underdeveloped. In addition, there aren't any qualified goods suitable for being used as underlying securities.
3. Financial Futures Options ; These are unlikely as even stock options have yet to be introduced.
4. Stock Index Futures ; These would call for a selection of one index out of the two in existence and for an alternative stock index. Furthermore, the stock market base is thin and the market's efficiency is also significantly low, compared with those of advanced countries.
Under these circumstances, attempts to introduce the futures trading may result in failure. Thus, the introduction should be gradually implemented or delayed according to the current circumstances.
1. Foreign Currency Futures ; These should be reserved for quite a long time as a prerequisite of its introduction, the free floating exchange rate system has yet to be implemented, due to the huge outstanding foreign debt and the balance of international payment. Other alternatives include forward exchange transactions and international futures markets which can be used as alternative hedging methods against currency risk.
2. Interest Rate Futures ; These should be considered after interest rates are fully liberalized.
3. Financial Futures ; Options These should be preceded by stock options.
4. Stock Index Futures ; Their prerequisites, such as development of proper stock index for futures transactions, development of the spot market, and enhancement of market efficiency can be met easier than those of other financial futures trading. Also the stock market is being institutionalized and the necessity of hedging is increasing due to the growing fluctuations in prices. Moreover, there is the added benefit of having used a similar form of trading prior to 1969. In addition, Stock Index Futures are imperative in order to obtain stock index futures-related trading practices.
In conclusion, it is crucial that more research is done on the financial futures trading system, and that experts are trained and encouraged. Also it is necessary that speculation should be generally-perceived as a justifiable investment strategy by educating investors on futures transactions and increasing their sense of responsibility. All this may very well guarantee the successful introduction of financial futures trading system.