The first half of 2018 has been eventful for stock markets worldwide. While the year started on a high note with domestic market capitalisation and benchmark indices scaling record high levels in markets across the globe, February 2018 was marked by a global stock market correction and a return of volatility after a remarkably calm period over 2017.

The size of the ETFs market worldwide continued to grow, with the first five months of 2018 recording a pickup both in terms of ETF listings and trading activity when compared to the same period in 2017.

Interest rate derivatives volume traded in April 2018 recorded a sharp decline when compared to volumes in March 2018. An overall 28.9% decline in volumes traded was due to a fall in volumes across all three regions - Americas (-28.5%), Asia-Pacific (-40.6%) and EMEA region (-27.1%).

The World Federation of Exchanges conducts an annual survey of the derivatives markets operated by its members, affiliates and other exchanges that voluntarily submit data for this survey.

In February 2018, stock markets across the globe experienced a significant correction after an upbeat start to the year in January, and market volatility surged, ending the relatively calm spell observed over 2017.

Stock markets got off to a strong start in 2018, maintaining the momentum observed in 2017 as valuations continued to soar and benchmark indices scaled new record highs in several markets across the globe.