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SGX Issues Consultation Paper On Revised Price Limits For Nikkei Futures And Nifty Futures Contracts

Date 14/05/2009

14 May 2009 – Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) is inviting public comments on the proposed revised price limits for the following futures contracts listed and traded on SGX Derivatives Trading Limited (SGX-DT):

 

(a)   The SGX Nikkei-related suite of futures contracts – namely, the Nikkei Stock Average Futures (SGX NK), the SGX Mini Nikkei Stock Average Futures (SGX NS) and the US dollar-denominated Nikkei Stock Average Futures contracts (SGX NU).  These three contracts are collectively referred to as the SGX Nikkei Futures; and

(b)   The SGX CNX Nifty Futures contract (SGX Nifty Futures).

 

Price limits are put in place as checks, in situations where prices of futures contracts move sharply compared to the settlement prices of the previous trading day.  When price limits are reached, cooling off periods are triggered to give market participants the opportunity and time to assess the situation before reacting, as well as verify any information which may have resulted in such sharp market movements.  These mechanisms serve to maintain orderliness in the market, particularly when trading conditions are volatile.

 

In light of extreme market volatility in October 2008, SGX determined that it was necessary to expand the price limits for the SGX Nikkei Futures and the SGX Nifty Futures as part of maintaining a fair and orderly market on SGX-DT.  Following these interim measures, SGX is conducting a holistic review of the appropriateness of its price limit models for the SGX Nikkei Futures and the SGX Nifty Futures contracts. 

 

In revising its price limit framework, SGX’s objectives are to provide more seamless trading, greater convenience and accessibility for investors and to grow liquidity on the SGX-DT platform.  The proposed revised framework minimises situations where local participants are exposed to substantial and increasing risk during cooling off periods on SGX while the primary markets1 remain open for trading. 

 

The consultation paper, which explains the rationale and proposed amendments in detail, will be available on SGX website at www.sgx.com from today.  Market participants and members of the public can forward their feedback and suggestions on the above proposed amendments from today until 28 May 2009 via email and either by post/courier or fax:

 

Email:              rules@sgx.com

 

Post/Courier:   Singapore Exchange Limited

                        2 Shenton Way,

#19-00 SGX Centre 1,

Singapore 068804.

 

 

 

Attn:                 Chng Hwee Chin (Ms)

Regulatory Policy

Risk Management and Regulation

 

Fax:                 6534 2207 / 6534 0092