An ability to take advantage of broad market moves, instead of prices of certain stocks;
Risk hedging opportunities for stock portfolios;
Advantages over creating a portfolio of stocks linked to the RTS Index structure:
Lower commissions (in particular, absence of depositary fees);
Free financial leverage (fees are charged only for a position opening and closing; keeping position opened is free of charge).
More effective management of stock portfolios that do not match the RTS Index structure.
An ability to sell short the entire stock portfolio since buying and selling futures are symmetrical and equally simple transactions, unlike short sale of the underlying stocks.
Creating synthetic futures on the "second-tier stock index".
Development of different arbitrage and speculative strategies using RTS Index futures, single stock futures and options on FORTS, and the underlying assets.
