SEBI Study Finds Majority of F&O Traders Lose Money Amid Shifts in Trading Activity
A Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) study reveals that 96.5% of futures and options (F&O) traders lose money after four years, mainly due to behavioral biases and poor risk management. Despite a 20% drop in active retail traders in FY26, overall equity derivatives turnover declined only 5%, with options trading growing 16% and futures falling 20%. The study highlights that most traders buy options resembling lottery tickets, leading to persistent losses and overconfidence rather than skill development.
First-hand measurement across 3 sources
We measured how 3 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (46/100). Lens Score 38/100.
Outlets measured: mint, mint, mint. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (38–52/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
mint broke this story on 25 Aug, 07:52 am. Other outlets followed.