Derivatives: The financial weapon of mass destruction you didn't see coming!

Gaurav Taparia
/ Categories: Knowledge, General
Derivatives: The financial weapon of mass destruction you didn't see coming!

Priced at a colossal USD 1.5 quadrillion, exceeding 10 times the world's GDP

Immersed in trillions of dollars, the global financial system conceals a mysterious force – the derivatives market. Priced at a colossal USD 1.5 quadrillion, exceeding 10 times the world's GDP, it casts a formidable shadow over the USD 96 trillion global economy. The looming question: Does this immense scale signify robustness or portend an impending calamity?

Concentration of Power: A Ticking Time Bomb?

Within this financial behemoth lies a concerning truth – 85 per cent of all derivatives are tightly held by a mere 10 financial giants, including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Bank of America. This concentration of power poses a serious risk, creating a vulnerable point where a stumble by one institution could trigger a global economic freefall.

The Resurgence of CDS: Ghosts from the Past Return

Credit Default Swaps (CDS), infamous for their role in the 2008 financial crisis, have staged a comeback, with their usage soaring by 20 per cent since the crisis. This resurgence raises alarms about their potential to exacerbate market volatility and hasten another financial downturn.

A Perfect Storm Brewing: Impending Consequences of a Derivatives Collapse

The amalgamation of the market's colossal size, power concentration, and the return of CDS paints a disquieting scenario. A major economic shock, be it a recession or a significant bank default, could set off a domino effect within the intricate derivative network, leading to a cataclysmic global economic meltdown.

DSIJ offers a service 'Pop Scalper" with recommendations for scalping profit from index option based on research and analysis to help subscribers make healthy profits. If this interests you, then do download the service details pdf here

The Nightmare Unleashed: A Hypothetical Scenario

Envision a major financial institution deeply entangled in derivatives facing financial turmoil. As losses reverberate through the network, interconnected contracts amplify the impact. Other institutions succumb, triggering market panic, a global recession, and widespread unemployment – a nightmare with devastating consequences.

The derivatives market, a dual-faceted weapon, presents avenues for growth and colossal risks alike. Overlooking the potential for catastrophe would be a perilous oversight.

Do let us know your thoughts on this in comments below.

Rate this article:
3.8

Leave a comment

Add comment

DSIJ MINDSHARE

Mkt Commentary30-Apr, 2024

Mindshare30-Apr, 2024

Multibaggers30-Apr, 2024

Mindshare30-Apr, 2024

Mindshare30-Apr, 2024

Knowledge

General26-Apr, 2024

Fundamental21-Apr, 2024

General21-Apr, 2024

DALAL STREET INVESTMENT JOURNAL - DEMOCRATIZING WEALTH CREATION

Principal Officer: Mr. Shashikant Singh,
Email: principalofficer@dsij.in
Tel: (+91)-20-66663800

Compliance Officer: Mr. Rajesh Padode
Email: complianceofficer@dsij.in
Tel: (+91)-20-66663800

Grievance Officer: Mr. Rajesh Padode
Email: service@dsij.in
Tel: (+91)-20-66663800

Corresponding SEBI regional/local office address- SEBI Bhavan BKC, Plot No.C4-A, 'G' Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai - 400051, Maharashtra.
Tel: +91-22-26449000 / 40459000 | Fax : +91-22-26449019-22 / 40459019-22 | E-mail : sebi@sebi.gov.in | Toll Free Investor Helpline: 1800 22 7575 | SEBI SCORES | SMARTODR