Retail, correct, but for a number of US firms that trades KOSPI today, they do it through off-shore entities. KOSPI volatility actually decreased from the high around 14-18 months ago.
the CFTC rule doesn't apply to institutions that meet certain requirements (ie. I think 100m in capital)
Kospi does trade on it's own. Japan is of no real value correlation-wise. It's like saying mexico is a good correlation trader to the U.S.. Japan & the U.S. are world power economies, Korea & Mexico are emerging. If you're looking for 1+ day time frame exposure to the Kospi, try EWY, Korea ishares. Can't wait to see Kospi access! Thanks def!
Asked some hong kong traders this morning, none of them familiar with Korean markets. As I still need some time to transplant/build an edge or two for the kospi markets, I think I will wait for IB's offering.
KOFEX officials made a presentation in Sing several months (a year?) back, saying they were/had applied for a CFTC waiver ... haven't heard of any developments since.