SINGAPORE (Feb 11): Global equity markets ended 2018 on a decidedly sour note. Once high-flying technology stocks were heavily sold off, and volatility across equity markets spiked, especially in October. The key reason was that the US Federal Reserve’s hawkishness was looking increasingly out of step with emerging signs that growth was slowing. The Fed has since adjusted its rhetoric, and the nervousness has subsided. But analysts are bracing for tougher and more volatile months ahead.

This is a very favourable backdrop for derivative instruments, as hedging activity is likely to increase. “When you’ve got increased volatility in the market — the underlying market, which is the equity market or interest rate market — people tend to hedge more,” says Andrew Gilder, EY Asia-Pacific banking and capital market leader.

Uncertainty over the future direction of...(click on link for full story on theedgesingapore.com)