Activity on Nasdaq Dubai’s equity futures market increased significantly in its second month, with 103,393 contracts traded in October, up 567 per cent from 15,508 in September.

The market opened on September 1, 2016, with single stock futures contracts on seven leading UAE-listed companies: Aldar Properties, Arabtec Holding, DP World, Dubai Islamic Bank, DXB Entertainments, Emaar Properties and Etisalat. Two others companies, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Union Properties, were added on October 23.

Emaar Properties futures have been the most heavily traded by value since the market opened, followed by DXB Entertainments and Aldar.  The most active broker has been Al Ramz Capital, followed by Menacorp and Mubasher.

Hamed Ali, chief executive of Nasdaq Dubai said: “We are pleased by the performance of the market so far, with increasing numbers of investors taking both long and short positions.  Activity looks set to build further as we expand the range of futures offered and the number of connected brokers and other market participants.”

In the last 10 trading days of October an average of 8,100 contracts traded, up 1,300 per cent from an average of 566 contracts in the same period of September. Each contract represents 100 underlying shares.

The market provides regional and international investors with unique new tools for investment and wealth protection, including hedging, leverage, and the ability to make gains when share prices are falling as well as rising.

Market making services are provided by Shuaa Capital. Brokerage services are provided to the market by Al Ramz Capital, Arqaam Capital, EFG Hermes, Integrated Securities, Menacorp and Mubasher Financial Services Dubai.- TradeArabia News Service