Background of Forex Futures - Forex futures originated in the 1970s, driven by the significant changes in the international monetary system, particularly the collapse of the Bretton Woods system [4][5] - The Bretton Woods system established fixed exchange rates between currencies and the US dollar, which was pegged to gold, minimizing foreign exchange risk [4] - The collapse of this system in 1973 and the subsequent Jamaica Agreement in 1976 allowed countries to choose their exchange rate systems freely, increasing foreign exchange risk and the demand for risk management [4][5] Development of Forex Futures in the US - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) launched the first forex futures contracts in May 1972, marking the establishment of the forex futures market [6] - The market expanded rapidly after the Jamaica Agreement, with other exchanges like NYMEX and NYFE entering the forex futures business [6] - By 1982, standardized forex options were introduced, further diversifying the forex derivatives market [6][7] Current State of Forex Futures in the US - The CME is the primary market for forex futures and options in the US, continuously introducing new forex derivatives to meet diverse investor needs [2][10] - In 2024, the CME's average daily trading volume reached 26.5 million contracts, a 9% increase from 2023, with forex products averaging 1.03 million contracts daily, an 8% year-on-year growth [14] - The most traded forex futures in 2024 included the Euro (258,000 contracts), Japanese Yen (192,000 contracts), and British Pound (120,000 contracts) [14] Trends in Forex Futures Development - There is an increasing demand for forex derivatives due to heightened market volatility and the need for effective risk management [16] - Emerging market currency derivatives are expected to see significant growth as economies develop and trade volumes increase, particularly in regions like Latin America [16]
薛鹤翔:美国外汇期货的前世今生