An Analytical Study of Option Greeks on Derivative Markets in India

Derivatives markets in India are in a nascent stage at present. The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) commenced trading in derivatives with index futures on 12 June 2000. The futures contracts on the NSE are based on S& P (Standard and Poor’s) CNX Nifty (National index of fifty shares); and options and futures on stocks were introduced in July and November 2001 respectively. Before derivatives were introduced in Indian financial markets, there was a localized solution to the need for short-term holdings of securities for the purpose of hedging or speculating. This system was known as badla transaction which essentially involved borrowing securities for a settlement period and squaring up short positions. That system was far from transparent and transaction costs (carry forward or backwardation charges) could sometimes be very high.