Sales of derivative-linked securities grow in Q1

Sales of derivative-linked securities in South Korea surged 24.1 percent in the first quarter to 19.6 trillion won ($12.9 billion), according to Financial Supervisory Service data released Wednesday. Equity-linked securities and derivative-linked securities combined reached 93.5 trillion won in outstanding value by March 31, down slightly from year-end 2023. The instruments, which track underlying assets but offer no principal guarantee, have grown in popularity as investors seek higher yields.