TRADING remained quiet in the futures market yesterday as most of the attention remained in the cash market. Concerns over China continued to dominate sentiment and with no fresh positive news the market remained subdued. Brokers said most of the activity was local although there was some evidence of overseas institutional buying in the afternoon. The main concern of the market at the moment is the rampant inflation on the mainland and rumours surrounding the health of paramount leader Deng Xiaoping. Intra-day trading moved in a 20-point range of the cash market at both a premium and discount at different times of the day. Total volume was a low 10,579 contracts with some activity in November contracts. October futures contracts closed seven points lower at 9,438 on a volume of 10,149. November contracts closed flat at 9,440, while December contracts gained 30 points to close the day at 9,490. Confirmed open interest for Monday was 34,200 lots. In Hang Seng Index options the emphasis was on selling premiums, with a great deal of interest in 9,600 calls. Volatilities dropped to their lowest levels this year which encouraged premium selling.
