Within just 18 months of its launch, the International Securities Exchange (ISE) has grown to become the third largest U.S. options exchange, trailing only the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) among the nation's five options exchanges. This measurement is based on total volume transacted in all listed options, equity as well as index products, traded during the month of October. During October, ISE averaged 380,299 contracts daily, reflecting a 16% market share in the issues it trades, and a 12% overall share when all listed equity and index options are included. The exchange's current market share is approximately six times what it was one year ago. ISE currently trades 409 option issues and does not trade index options, which account for sizeable volumes on the other U.S. options exchanges.
"We are proud of this milestone and believe that the growth we have experienced is a direct result of the customer benefits inherent to our market structure and trading system," said David Krell, ISE president and CEO. "The speed, efficiency, high quality markets and reduced costs introduced to the industry by the ISE are the elements that fueled the wide acceptance and explosive growth of this unique marketplace."
