Nymex To Increase Margins On Heating Oil Futures

The New York Mercantile Exchange will increase the margins on its February 2000 heating oil futures contract as of the close of business today to $4,500 from $2,500 for clearing members; to $4,950 from $2,750 for members; and to $6,075 from $3,375 for customers. The margins on all other months of the contracts will remain unchanged. Margins on spreads involving the February contract will also be increased to $2,400 from $400 for clearing members; to $2,640 from $440 for members; and to $3,240 from $540 for customers.