Boston Stock Exchange Share Volume Up 66% In 2002 - Continues Volume Gains Into First Quarter Of Fiscal Year 2003

The Boston Stock Exchange (BSE) announced today volume results for 2002 year-end and for the first quarter of fiscal year 2003.

In what continues to be a remarkable growth pattern for the Exchange, and despite the pessimistic market climate, the BSE reports significant gains for calendar year 2002. Total annual share volume for 2002 rose from 7.3 to 12.1 billion, a jump of 66% from 2001. Total annual trade volume was 19.8 million, up 43% compared to 13.8 million trades from the prior year. On an average daily basis, the BSE's share volume grew from 29.4 to 48.2 million shares per day and average daily trade volume reached 78,601 trades, an increase from 55,663 trades per day in 2001.

The BSE also reports positive growth for the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. For the quarter ended December 31, 2002, average daily share volume on the BSE reached 53.4 million shares, up 32% compared to 40.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2002. Trade volume for the same time period increased nearly 15% from 68,707 to 78,789 trades per day. "In the past year, the BSE has cemented its position as a growing competitive force among the U.S. equity exchanges," notes BSE Chairman and CEO Kenneth R. Leibler. "It's a testament to the enduring stability of this exchange, and the success of our core trading products, that we posted strong volume numbers in what was one of the most difficult periods on record for the markets."

Equally newsworthy are the BSE's market share gains. The Exchange's percentage of share and trade market share among the five regional exchanges (Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Pacific, Philadelphia) increased by 43% and 37%, respectively, when comparing calendar year 2001 to 2002, outpacing all the other regional exchanges.

	Calendar Year2002	Calendar Year 2001	Percentage Change
Total Annual Share Volume	12,146,168,541	7,300,721,915	+66.37%
Total Annual Trade Volume	19,807,491	13,804,407	+43.49%
Average Daily Share Volume	48,199,082	29,438,395	+63.73%
Average Daily Trade Volume	78,601	55,663	+41.21%

	1st Q Fiscal Year2003	1st QFiscal Year 2002	Percentage Change
Average Daily Share Volume	53,391,930	40,442,977	+32.02%
Average Daily Trade Volume	78,789	68,707	+14.67%

(The BSE's fiscal year runs October 1st through September 30th)

Boston Stock Exchange, Inc. Founded in 1834 as the third oldest exchange in the United States, the Boston Stock Exchange (BSE) has, from its beginnings, played a vital role as a leading regional exchange within the strongest capital market system in the world. Today, the BSE offers exceptional market quality, specialized trading services, innovative technology and outstanding customer service to broker-dealers, investment institutions and listed public companies. The BSE trades more than 11 billion shares of listed securities on an annual basis. Additional information can be found at www.bostonstock.com.