IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading operator of global exchanges and over-the-counter (OTC) markets, today announced the timeline for introduction of electronically traded ICE Futures U.S.(TM) options on futures contracts. The contracts will be available for trading on the ICE platform beginning Friday, March 28. Electronic options on futures will be offered for the Sugar No. 11, Cotton No. 2, Coffee "C", Cocoa, FCOJ-A and the Russell 1000(R) Index mini and Russell 2000(R) Index mini contracts.
The test environment will be available each trading day beginning on Wednesday, February 27, in advance of the launch. It will operate from 1:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET to allow independent software vendors (ISVs), market data vendors, brokers, algorithmic traders and other registered market participants to complete system connectivity and functionality testing. The test environment will be available through ISVs, WebICE and APIs, as well as on the ICE Futures U.S. floor via computer terminals and handheld tablets. Current participants in the exchange's electronic markets are authorized to access the test environment. New users wishing to connect to ICE Futures U.S. should contact the ICE helpdesk to request an electronic user agreement.
Detailed information and contract specifications can be found on the ICE website at https://www.theice.com/exchange_notices.jhtml.
ICE Futures U.S. will transition to fully electronic futures markets as of the trade date Monday, March 3, 2008. All options on futures contracts will continue to be available in the floor-traded markets.
