Telstra, who today released full year results today, were the second highest traded options stock, at 20,836 and 13.8% 150,159 contracts were traded over the day. As Australian options contracts equal 1000 shares per contract, this represents the equivalent of over 150 million shares.
Richard Humphry, CEO and Managing Director said the new record was consistent with the growing sophistication of the Australian market, reported yesterday at the release of ASX's annual results. Mr Humphry said, "Now when there are major market announcements, we will often see this reflected in the options market. Investors will increasingly look to take advantage of changes in share price, and options provide a relatively cost efficient way to gain exposure to market fluctuations."
The previous record was at the peak of the late 1980s takeover boom, on 27 July 1989, when ASX still operated the old floor-traded derivatives market.
AMP
- 16% of overall trades (usually around 4%)
- 24, 250 total number of trades
- Share price closed at $6.35, up from yesterday's close of $5.20
Telstra
- 13.8% of overall trades (usually around 13%)
- 20,836 total number of trades
