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MCX shares gain nearly 3% after launch of options on bullion index

Published on 27/10/2025 02:15 PM

Shares of the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) climbed close to 3 per cent in early trade on Monday, October 27, after the bourse launched options contracts on its bullion index, BULLDEX. The stock rose to an intraday high of about Rs 9,244.90 on the BSE, marking an increase of nearly 2.7 per cent before paring some gains later in the session. The rise reflects investor optimism that the new offering will drive higher trading volumes and boost transaction revenue for the exchange.

The MCX BULLDEX index tracks the combined performance of gold and silver futures traded on the exchange. The newly introduced monthly options allow traders to take exposure to bullion price movements through a single instrument, simplifying hedging and speculation.

According to MCX, the product aims to make bullion trading more efficient for both retail and institutional investors. It also aligns India’s commodity market structure with global practices, where index-based options are among the most actively traded derivative products.

Commenting on the launch, MCX Managing Director and CEO Praveena Rai said the introduction of options on the MCX Bullion Index (BULLDEX) marks a key milestone in India’s commodities market. She described it as an innovative product that expands the exchange’s derivatives offerings and enables investors to take exposure to a diversified basket of gold and silver. The rollout comes amid a sharp rally in bullion prices this year, with gold up over 50 per cent and silver nearly 70 per cent on strong global demand and safe-haven buying. Trading will be open from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 11:30/11:55 p.m., depending on US daylight saving timings, with each contract valued at a minimum of Rs 5 lakh at launch.

With about 98 per cent share in the overall value of commodity futures traded in India, MCX remains the country’s dominant commodity exchange. The launch of index-based options is expected to strengthen its leadership position and deepen liquidity in the bullion segment.

The launch comes at a time when gold and silver prices are swinging sharply due to global tensions and uncertainty over interest rates.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros