Nymex Copper Options Set Monthly Volume Record

Copper options set a monthly volume record of 31,560 contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc., in February, exceeding the record of 30,251 contracts traded in November 1996.

Exchange President J. Robert Collins, Jr., said, "The monthly record for copper options, coupled with record copper futures volume and growing open interest for both contracts is clear evidence that the transparency, financial security, and flexibility of Exchange markets is an increasingly valued tool in the risk management and investment activities of copper market participants."