ESMA also re-iterated its concerns about retail investors investing in speculative and risky products, such as virtual currencies and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).

The TRV, which covers the first half of 2018, finds that overall risk levels for the EU’s securities markets remained stable but at high levels for most risk categories. However, February 2018 saw severe market corrections and the return of equity market volatility, confirming ESMA’s prevailing concerns. On the other hand, the level of credit risk eased, from very high to high, reflecting a strengthening macroeconomic environment and higher credit ratings in several EU Member States.

The TRV identifies the following key risks in EU securities markets:

Market risk remains at very high level due to concerns about high asset market valuations and prevailing geopolitical uncertainties, such as around the current Brexit negotiations; and
Credit risk has eased in relation to an improving macroeconomic environment but remains high due to possible and sudden repricing in risk premia; and
Operational risk continued to be elevated with a deteriorating outlook, with extensive concerns around cyber security; and
Retail investor risks associated with investments in virtual currencies and ICOs.

The TRV examines the performance of securities markets, assessing both trends and risks in order to develop a comprehensive picture of systemic and macro-prudential risks in the EU, to assist both national and EU bodies in their risk assessments.

ESMA’s TRV contributes to promoting financial stability and enhancing consumer protection by regularly looking into cross-border and cross-sector trends, risks and vulnerabilities, both at the wholesale and retail level.