The study showed that 91.1% of individual traders collectively lost ₹750 billion in the futures and options segment in FY24.

F&O traders who placed their bets in FY24 were classified as 'New Traders' by Sebi, comprising almost half of all the traders for the fiscal. Sebi's data showed that 92.1% of these 'New Traders' incurred a net loss of roughly Rs 46,

A Sebi study reveals that 91% of individual traders lost money in the F''O segment in FY24, with an average loss of Rs 1.2 lakh. Read more.

In terms of average profit and loss, the average net losses by female traders were relatively lesser as compared to male traders. In FY24, the female traders made an average per person loss of Rs 75,973.

According to the Sebi study, 1.13 crore retail traders in F O markets collectively lost Rs 1.81 lakh crore during this period.

The findings hold significance in shaping the market regulator’s policy-making when it comes to regulating the F&O segment, where daily turnover often exceeds Rs 500 trillion. Sebi has proposed seven key measures—aimed at curbing retail participation and speculation in the derivatives market—that are likely to be cleared at its upcoming board meeting at the end of the month.

The top 3.5% of these traders faced even greater losses, averaging Rs 28 lakh each. Only 7.2% of individual traders managed to make a profit during this period. This report highlights the risks associated with F&O trading and aligns with previous findings from SEBI indicating high loss rates for individual traders in this segment.