Dubai, April 6 (IANS/WAM) The Middle East equity derivatives market is likely to expand in 2010 compared to last year's levels.

Eighty-seven percent of fund managers and brokers polled by NASDAQ described equity derivatives as useful tools for managing risk, while 72 percent said their organisation was interested in learning more about the uses and benefits of equity derivatives.

The survey received responses from representatives of 40 fund managers and brokerage firms who attended the FOW Derivatives World Middle East conference in Dubai March 16.

Jeff Singer, chief executive of NASDAQ Dubai, said Monday: "The survey shows that investors are poised to make increasing use of the Middle East equity derivatives market, which is still in its infancy and has potential for rapid growth.

"NASDAQ Dubai will continue to drive the development of the market forward, by expanding its product range and by educating finance professionals and the public about the advantages that equity derivatives offer," he added.

NASDAQ Dubai launched the UAE's only equity derivatives platform in November 2008. Trading volumes have expanded from 90 in January 2009 to several thousand every week by the end of the year.