The US options market reached a record size in 2009, as trading volume exceeded all previous years for the seventh year running. Of the last 17 years, only 2002 has not set a record volume.
However, growth was much more modest than in recent years. Figures released by the Options Industry Council on January 4 show that 3.613bn contracts were traded in 2009, 0.84% more than in 2008. The growth in 2008 over 2007’s volume was 25%.
Some...