The order-book statistics of Deutsche Börse, which are based on single counting of all transactions in the order book of Xetra and on the trading floor, shows that a total volume of 99.2 billion euros was traded in equities on the German stock exchanges in September. Of this total, about 87 billion euros were traded in German equities, 72.3 billion euros (roughly 83 percent) through Xetra, and some 10.8 billion euros (or 12.5 percent) in trading on the floor of FWB. A new record was set in the Xetra share of trading in the DAX blue chips with 90.4 percent of all turnover in these stocks. In the MDAX stocks, Xetra set another new record (with 61.8 percent of the total) for the fourth month in a row.
Deutsche Telekom AG was the most active DAX blue chip in September with volume of 11.4 billion euros traded in its shares. Ergo was the leading MDAX stock, with 302 million euros in shares traded, and Intershop was the top Neuer Markt stock with share turnover of 1.1 billion euros. In the SMAX (small-cap quality) segment, IFCO Systems AG ranked first with a volume of 51 million euros traded in its shares. As September Ends, KCBT Wheat Futures Open Interest At An All-Time High The month of September brought several new records to the Kansas City Board of Trade wheat futures and options contracts. At the conclusion of trade on Friday, Sept. 29, open interest in KCBT wheat futures stood at 85,713 contracts, 372 contracts more than the previous record of 85,341 contracts set on July 30, 1999.
Traders at the KCBT attributed the increase in wheat futures open interest to large wheat crops which led to heavy carryover and increased hedging, and dryness in hard red winter wheat areas, which is delaying planting and causing crop concerns, creating speculative interest. In the past week the price of a KCBT December 2000 wheat futures contract increased 24 1/2 cents.
Wheat options volume for the month of September was 17,073 contracts, the most ever traded during a September. The previous September record of 8,708 contracts was set in 1998. Earlier in the month wheat options trading volume set a new annual record. Year-to-date trade has amounted to 152,462 contracts compared to 143,974 contracts in 1999. This represents a 6 percent increase with three months left to add to the record. The increase in wheat options open interest is the result of a larger local trading base, which has injected more capital and liquidity into the market, making the contract more feasible for futures commission merchants.
Value Line’ is a registered mark of Value Line, Inc., a New York corporation that provides financial services and publications. Since 1982, the Kansas City Board of Trade has been licensed to use the Value Line’ mark in connection with its efforts to establish futures markets tied to the Value Line’ index. The Kansas City Board of Trade and Value Line, Inc. are not affiliated corporate entities.
ISDEX’ is a registered trademark of internet.com Corporation.
