DERIVATI: IN TRE ANNI +135% A 516.000 MILIARDI DI DOLLARI

Positions in the OTC derivatives market grew at a rapid pace over the period since the last Triennial Survey in 2004. Notional amounts outstanding increased by 135% to $516 trillion at the end of June 2007, which corresponds to an annualised compounded rate of growth of 33%. This is higher than the roughly 20% average annual rate of increase since positions in OTC derivatives were first surveyed by the BIS in 1995. Particularly rapid growth was reported in the credit segment, where positions in credit derivatives increased more than tenfold to $51 trillion. Credit default swaps (CDSs) are by far the dominant instrument in this category, accounting for 88% of positions in credit derivatives.

Derivatives market climbs to $516 trillion (+135%)