Securities Finance 2025 Q1 Review

 Join us for our upcoming webinar on April 17th at 10 AM (EST) / 3 PM (BST) as we explore how the dynamic shifts in market sentiment seen throughout Q1 2025 impacted the securities financing markets.

Financial markets navigated a complex landscape during Q1, as January’s optimism, bolstered by strong US corporate earnings and stable economic indicators faltered in February amid concerns over the realities of US trade policy and disappointing economic data. By March, heightened volatility had triggered a 10% decline in the S&P 500 from its February peak, driven largely by worries surrounding tariff policies and inflation. Global markets outside the U.S. remained more resilient however, as geopolitical tensions and artificial intelligence boosted both government spending and investor confidence across both EMEA and APAC.

News on the upcoming plans from the new U.S. administration single handedly influenced everything from tech stocks to Bitcoin during the quarter, prompting increased levels of engagement in the securities finance markets as investors sought to capitalize on market movements. Throughout the quarter, fixed income borrowing remained robust as economic data remained unpredictable, and ETF lending thrived, as investors adapted their tactics to align with evolving investment strategies.

To deepen our analysis of both the Q1 and future of securities financing activity, we are excited to welcome Jan Trueuren, Senior Director Product at Cboe, who will share his insights into the future of central clearing for securities financing activities in EMEA. Jan, as the business owner of the Securities Financing Transaction Clearing initiative, will offer his unique perspective on the opportunities this shift may present for all market participants.