Indian Derivatives Market: A Study of Impact on Volatility and Investor Perception

Abstract

Derivatives Market has an important role to play in the economic development of a country. The objective of the study is to examine the impact of financial derivatives (futures and options) on the underlying market volatility. The paper also analyses the perception of investor about objectives of investment, investment pattern, risk, derivatives awareness level, future of derivatives market in India. Data has been collected for a period of 18 years from January 1, 1996 to February 5, 2014. Data has been collected for various indexes like CNX S&P Nifty index daily closing prices (from January 1, 1996 to February 5, 2014), Nifty Junior Index (from January 1, 1996 to February 5, 2014), Index Futures near month contracts daily closing prices from (June 12, 2000 to February 5, 2014) and S&P 500 Index (from January 1, 1996 to February 5, 2014).The questionnaire was distributed to 1000 respondents but 522 filled questionnaires were received and have been analyzed in this study. The questionnaire was subjected to reliability and expert validity.The final AR (1)-GARCH (1,1) model show that overall volatility has reduced in the spot market after the introduction of derivatives. In the model all variables are highly significant. Awareness about financial markets, experience in derivatives trading, workplace activity and return expectation are significantly associated with derivative awareness level (DAL) of respondents at 5 percent level of significance. The results of Structural Equation Modelling reveals perception of investors about future of derivatives market in India include having an investor grievance redressal mechanism which is approachable under trading hours, steps to be taken by regulators to increase investments, conducting investor training and awareness programmes, global integration will happen, derivatives market will affect growth of the economy and consolidation of exchanges is required.