Taiwan Futures Exchange Will Hold A 2005 International Futures Seminar On December 5th

Taiwan Futures Exchange (TAIFEX) continues its growth in 2005. The daily average trading volume amounted to 361,174 contracts as of the end of October, an increase of 53% as compared to 2004. To enhance the depth of the market and increase the participation of institutional investors. TAIFEX has applied and received No Action Letters issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission(CFTC) for its TAIEX futures, Mini TAIEX futures, Electronic Sector Index futures(TE) and the Finance Sector Index futures(TF). Currently, the petition for Part 30 exemption is under way.

In addition, TAIFEX is planning to allow non-hedging purpose trading and omnibus account for foreign participants. In the area of product development, TAIFEX will launch International board products, including US dollar denominated gold futures and stock index futures and options next year.

In order to keep up with the trend of international futures market and share successful experiences with other foreign exchanges, TAIFEX is going to hold a 2005 International Futures Seminar at the Taipei Sheraton on the 5th of December (Monday). The keynote speakers and panelists invited include FIA Chairman and futures experts from foreign markets and FCMs. TAIFEX was ranked 18th among worldwide exchanges as of the end of July 2005 according to FIA’s statistics. The trading volume of TAIEX options was ranked No. 3 in the stock index options category by the Trade Data Global Service. Taiwan futures market has attracted more attentions and interests from overseas investors. The President of FIA, Mr. John Damgard, has expressed his high interest to visit Taiwan many times. He gladly accepted TAIFEX invitation to speak on this seminar. His participation will definitely raise TAIFEX’s exposure in the international futures market. His suggestions will no doubt be beneficial to the future development of Taiwan futures market.

The seminar will include four keynote speeches and one panel discussion. Speakers include Mr.John Damgard, President of FIA; Mr. Kazuhiko Senzaki ,Executive Director of TOCOM; Mr. Ikemizu Yuichi, Head trader of Mitsui Tokyo, Precious Metals Department and Mr. John Carter, President of Trade the Market. The topics will cover “Challenges and Development Trends in Global Futures Markets”, “Gold as a Hedge against the US Dollar”, “TOCOM’s Successful Development Experience in Gold Futures”and “International Trading Strategies of Gold Futures”. The panel’s topics will cover FCM’s point of views on the reform and outlook of Taiwan’s futures market.

The main purpose of this seminar is to increase the understanding and interests of investors in futures products/ international futures market. It will also be helpful to the promotion of the TAIFEX gold futures contract to be launched in 2006. We welcome participation from all the related industries to attend the seminar.