Listed derivatives trading globally increased by almost one billion contracts, as increased volatility from equity markets and political uncertainty in the US and Europe boosted hedging activity.
Just over 13 billion contracts were traded in the first half of 2016, up 7% year on year, according to statistics from the Futures Industry Association (FIA).
Activity on US derivatives exchanges jumped 9% to around 4.3 billion contracts traded, while derivatives markets in Europe and Asia increased 7% to over 8.8 billion contracts.
Interest rate futures volumes increased 2% to 1.4 billion contracts globally, while FX futures volumes saw the largest jump by 26% to around 1.3 billion contracts traded.
Last week several derivatives exchanges released their half-year trading volumes, with many including CME Group and ICE reporting new records off the back of heightened volatility.