NYMEX Gold Futures Set Annual Volume Record

Gold futures surpassed its previous annual volume record yesterday on the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc., when the total reached 12,315,578 contracts for the year, surpassing the annual record of 12,235,689 contracts set in 2003.

Exchange President James E. Newsome said, "Gold futures have proven to a be a vital investment and trading tool as more and more individuals and firms are seeking alternative instruments. This volume record is indicative of the expanding interest both investors and commercial entities are showing in today's commodity markets."