Bank for InternationaI Settlements Reports
Total notional amounts outstanding for over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives increased modestly (+2%) in the second half of 2009, to $615 trillion, after a recovery of 10% in the first half of the year.
The increase was evenly spread among risk categories – with the exception of commodities and credit default swaps (CDS), which receded by 21% and 9%, respectively.
Gross market values for all OTC positions together declined by 15% after a 22% contraction in the first half of the year. Falling by 40% after a 42% drop in the first half of the year, CDS gross market values now stand at 35% of their end-2008 peak.
Overall gross credit exposure decreased by 6%, after an 18% reduction in the first six months of 2009.
Comprehensive explanatory notes in the release define the coverage of the statistics and the terms used in presenting them.