Eurex Launches Options On Continental, Deutsche Börse And Porsche- High Demand For Options On German Blue Chips - Stock Option Trading Volume At Eurex Up 12 Percent In 2002

The international derivatives market Eurex is to launch options on both MDAX-listed Continental AG and Deutsche Börse AG as well as on Porsche AG as of June 24. The world's largest derivatives market announced plans to expand its stock option segment in a press release on Thursday. The introduction of the three new stock options will help Eurex broaden its product range for institutional and private investors as well as meet the demand of option traders in these stocks around the globe. Ultimately, this will further enhance Eurex's position as the leading provider of option contracts on international, liquid stocks.

According to Eurex, market interest in German and international stock options is continuing to grow. Last year, Eurex more than tripled its trading volume in option contracts on German stocks compared to 2000. The three new additions mean that Eurex now offers 109 stock options on international blue chips, 41 of which are on German companies. Eurex has already traded 58 million contracts in its stock option segment this year, which corresponds to a year on year increase of around 12 per cent.