JPX is due to begin introducing smaller tick sizes this week, while proprietary trading systems are making technology upgrades. But do retail investors really care?
Tag : pts
Japan's two leading alternative trading systems are in talks to expand their services to Korea, where the regulator is moving to open up the market to competition.
![Japannext, Chi-X confirm ATS interest in Korea](https://cdn.i.haymarketmedia.asia/?n=asian-investor%2Fcontent%2F20111013034932_Korea.jpg&c=1&h=194&q=100&v=20253516&w=344)
While many welcome the planned reduction in tick sizes by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, SBI Japannext warns such a move could lead to a "tick-size war".
Positive investor sentiment over new Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's plans to spur growth have driven equity volumes to record levels on some trading venues.
!['Abenomics' sparks record Japan equity volumes](https://cdn.i.haymarketmedia.asia/?n=asian-investor%2Fcontent%2FShinzo%20Abe%20_2012_02.jpg&c=1&h=194&q=100&v=20253516&w=344)
A proposed exemption on users of proprietary trading systems (PTS) from a mandatory takeover rule is expected to drive market fragmentation.
![Japan's alt trading venues set for buy-side influx](https://cdn.i.haymarketmedia.asia/?n=asian-investor%2Fcontent%2Fcomputer%20laptop%20security%20generic.jpg&c=1&h=194&q=100&v=20253516&w=344)
Alternative trading venues are living up to their billing as good execution venues for less liquid stocks, according to figures from several platform providers.
![Small- and mid-cap trading flourishing in dark pools](https://cdn.i.haymarketmedia.asia/?n=asian-investor%2Fcontent%2F20110816032358_Murat%20Atamer%20crop.jpg&c=1&h=194&q=100&v=20253516&w=344)