CHX Continues Record-Breaking Pace In 2000 - Trade Volume Eclipses Record Mark - OTC Trading Surges To An All-Time High - QQQ Also Reaches New High

The Chicago Stock Exchange (CHX) started the new century the way it ended the last, recording new share and trade volume highs in January 2000. Total trade volume reached an all-time monthly record of 4,942,558, an increase of 134 percent over January 1999. Total share volume set a January record at 1,903,578,041, an increase of 89 percent over the same time last year. The CHX also saw dynamic growth in its OTC program, setting a series of new monthly marks for the trading of Nasdaq-listed stocks. Total trade volume for January 2000 hit 1,980,607 up from 246,681 in January of 1999, while OTC share volume also skyrocketed to 579,312,457 compared to 92,850,134 in the same period last year. In addition, the exchange recorded its highest volume in the Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking StockSM (Symbol: QQQ), trading 23,223,400 shares, with trade volume of 41,144. CHX President and CEO Bob Forney, commenting on the record performance, said, "This continued volume growth across product lines is yet another indication that the CHX is a major factor in the U.S. equities market. I believe that we will continue to be a uniquely effective competitive force because of our outstanding reputation for low operating costs, high execution standards and outstanding service." The CHX extended hours volume from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time totaled 30,420,928 shares traded. The Chicago Stock Exchange was founded May 15, 1882 and is the second most active stock exchange in terms of share and trade volume. The CHX is also the fastest growing exchange providing the strongest force for competition to all U.S. markets. The CHX trades more than 4,500 NYSE, Amex, Nasdaq and CHX-exclusive issues, more than any other stock exchange in the world.