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Trading volume in the RTS Index future gained 511% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the similar period last year. This makes it the fastest growing derivatives contract worldwide. The US Futures Industry magazine, which tracks global industry statistics, also put the futures contract on RTS Index in 15th place in the trading volume rating (measured in contracts) among other 20 equity derivative instruments most actively traded worldwide. Over the first quarter of 2008 the trading volume in the RTS Index futures exceeded 20 million contracts.
The "Futures Industry Magazine" is published under the patronage of the "Futures Industry Association", established in 1955 in New York. Nowadays FIA comprises over 250 members and is one of the world’s leading professional associations of derivative exchanges. Research carried out by the "Futures Industry Magazine" are recognized by the leading global players of the futures and options market and reflect events in the world’s largest international derivatives venues.
"Russian Trading System" Stock Exchange" was included in this rating for the first time after several months of submission of all the FORTS data (Futures and options on RTS) in compliance with the requirements of the "Futures Industry Magazine".
After the first quarter of 2008 FORTS, the Russian derivatives market was rated 16th in the top 30 leading global exchanges trading in equity derivatives, beating such renown venues as the American Stock Exchange, Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, OMX Group, Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, London Metal Exchange and others.
"Russian Trading System" Stock Exchange" was established in 1995. In 2007 the total trading volume on RTS Group markets grew almost sixfold and hit a record high of US$687.4 bln . Over 2200 stocks are represented on RTS, over 400 of them are admitted to trading on the RTS markets. Almost 500 securities are admitted to trading on RTS (stocks, corporate bonds, municipal and federal bonds, eurobonds, fund units) from 340 issuers. RTS takes the leading position by the number of stocks included in the Quotation lists - over 100 stocks.
FORTS, the derivatives market of RTS, is a leading trading venue for futures and options in Russia. Trading on FORTS started in September 2001. At present FORTS has the widest range of instruments in Russia. These are 64 contracts (46 futures and 18 options) on shares of Russian companies, bonds, short term interest rates, currency, RTS Index, oil, silver, gas oil, sugar and gold. Trading volume on FORTS in 2007 grew threefold to reach US$ 297.41 bln or 144.9 million contracts .
