The Sugar #11 contract (symbol SB), the exchange’s most heavily traded contract, traded 954,922 options contracts in April, surpassing by 79% the 2003 mark of 533,989 contracts (YTD). Additionally, Sugar #11 futures was up 36% (YTD).
The record trading pace of the world sugar market sets the stage at NYBOT for the introduction of an important new commodity contract. On Friday, May 7th, NYBOT’s World Ethanol futures contract (symbol XA) will begin trading in the sugar ring, with the options starting Monday, May 10th. The ethanol contract calls for the delivery of 7,750 U.S. gallons of biomass-derived, undenatured, anhydrous ethanol. For more information on ethanol, please visit NYBOT’s web site (www.nybot.com).
In other “soft” markets, cocoa futures was up 36% (April 2004 vs. April 2003), cotton futures saw a 16% increase April vs. April, and cotton options were up 64% (YTD). Additionally, Coffee “C” futures rose 18% month-to-month and coffee options jumped 75%. FCOJ futures saw a sizeable 40% jump and options were up 154%, both month to month.
NYBOT’s FINEX market had the US Dollar Index (symbol DX) lead the way, with 45% more futures contracts trading (YTD) and 209% more options. Combined currency futures rose 45% (YTD) and combined options were up 196%.
NYBOT’s Equity Index markets also experienced increased activity, with the Russell 1000® (symbol R) up 29% (YTD) and the options up 275% (YTD). Overall, the indices rose 17% year-to-date in the futures and 133% in the options.
The New York Board of Trade (NYBOT) is the parent company of the Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa Exchange, Inc. (CSCE) and the New York Cotton Exchange (NYCE). Through its two exchanges, NYBOT offers an expanding range of agricultural and financial products. Information about the New York Board of Trade can be found at www.nybot.com and www.nybotlive.com.
