Why Indian retail options traders are having a tough time to defuse what Warren Buffett called lethal time bombs

Sebi’s latest study shows that 88% of individual F&O traders lost money in FY26, with options accounting for 92% of aggregate losses. Despite reduced trading volumes, retail losses remained substantial, reinforcing Warren Buffett’s longstanding warnings about derivatives. Regulatory measures, including higher STT, aim to curb excessive speculation and protect small investors.