In Shanghai, investors have a different option

Derivatives based on exchange-traded fund are seen as reducing volatility in market LI XIANG

Trading of stock options made its long-awaited debut on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Monday, allowing investors more ways to hedge risks and make profits.

Volume was light, with just 25,113 contracts valued at only 37.86 million yuan ($6.06 million) changing hands. But the introduction of stock options was viewed as a milestone for the nation's capital market, which has long been known for being underdeveloped and volatile.