HKEx To Introduce Three New Stock Option Classes And Stock Futures Contracts

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) will introduce Bank of Communications Company Limited, China Netcom Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited and Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Limited futures and options on 7 November 2005, Monday.

Contract months of the futures and options available for trading on 7 November 2005 will be November 2005, December 2005, January 2006, March 2006 and June 2006.

Meanwhile, trading of China Merchants Holdings (International) Company Limited (CMH) and Shanghai Industrial Holdings Limited (SIH) futures and options will be gradually suspended after the market close today.

Immediately after the market close today, no new contract months and/or series on CMH and SIH futures and options will be introduced for trading. All existing contracts and/or series on CMH and SIH futures and options in September, October, November, December 2005 and March 2006 will be available for trading until the expiration of the respective contract months.

Investors can visit HKEx's website for the latest information on futures and options, including contract specifications.