Singapore, 10 April 2026 – Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX Group) reported a robust performance for March 2026, driven by record trading activity across equities, derivatives, foreign exchange (FX), and commodities, underscoring strong investor engagement amid heightened global volatility.
Record Trading Volumes Across Markets
SGX recorded a significant surge in trading activity, with derivatives emerging as a key growth engine:
- Derivatives volume jumped 40% year-on-year to a record 38.3 million contracts
- Increased participation reflected strong demand for risk management and hedging tools amid uncertain global conditions
The derivatives segment continues to be a cornerstone of SGX’s growth strategy, particularly in commodities, equities, and currency-linked instruments.
Strong Momentum in Securities Market
The equities market also saw a sharp increase in activity:
- Total securities market turnover rose significantly, supported by higher trading days and improved investor sentiment
- Market turnover value surged to approximately S$52.8 billion, reflecting a strong rebound in trading participation
This uptick indicates renewed investor interest in Singapore’s equity market, supported by both institutional and retail flows.
Rising Market Velocity Signals Active Participation
SGX reported an increase in market turnover velocity to 56%, up from 49% in the previous month, signalling a more active trading environment.
This suggests:
- Higher liquidity across the market
- Increased speculative and hedging activity
- Stronger engagement from global investors
Multi-Asset Strength Reflects Diversified Growth Model
The record performance was not limited to a single segment. SGX saw growth across:
- Equities – driven by improved sentiment and trading flows
- Derivatives – led by strong hedging demand
- FX and commodities – benefiting from global volatility
This highlights SGX’s positioning as a multi-asset exchange, capable of capturing opportunities across different market cycles.
Volatility Driving Trading Demand
The surge in activity comes against a backdrop of:
- Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
- Fluctuations in oil and commodity prices
- Shifting global interest rate expectations
These factors have increased demand for hedging instruments, boosting trading volumes across derivatives and FX markets.
Implications for Investors
For investors, SGX’s strong March performance reinforces several key themes:
- Volatility is driving trading activity and exchange revenues
- Derivatives markets are becoming increasingly important in Asia
- Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a regional financial hub
The performance also signals improving liquidity conditions, which could support further capital market activity, including IPOs and secondary offerings.
Outlook: Momentum Likely to Continue
With global uncertainty expected to persist, SGX is well-positioned to benefit from sustained demand for risk management and investment products.
As markets navigate geopolitical risks and macroeconomic shifts, trading volumes across asset classes are likely to remain elevated, supporting continued growth for exchange operators like SGX.
