The New LME Select Celebrates One Month Of Successful Operation - Reached Record Volumes

On December 12 the London Metal Exchange launched a new version of its electronic trading system LME Select, developed by Cinnober. The transition to the new system has been seamless. The initial start up of the system was very successful, with 100% up time and more traders than ever before logging on. Increased volumes of contracts traded electronically have also been recorded.

The new Select went live one year after the LME appointed Cinnober to replace its previous trading system. The biggest change for the traders is the user interface. It has been designed explicitly for metals trading; including tailor made functions for 3 months contracts, carries and metal options. The response from the market participants has been very positive.

Using the new Select it is possible to trade all of the current contracts for futures, options, TAPOs and the LME index contract, LMEX. The new Select is also prepared to accommodate the trading of plastics and steel.

The Matching and Registration System (MRS) also developed by Cinnober is due to go live in the second quarter of 2004.

Commenting on the launch date, the LME director for both the trading and matching projects Alan Whiting said:

"It has been a tremendous achievement by Cinnober, LME members and the LME project team to go live by the end of the year. The system has been designed to trader's specifications and incorporates the very latest in functionality, usability, and security. I have no doubt that the new system will build on the impressive performance of LME Select to date."

Nils-Robert Persson, Chairman of the Board at Cinnober said:

"We are very proud to have been assigned by one of the world's best known exchanges to provide its new trading technology. It has once again been confirmed that our choice of technology is the choice of the future, helping us provide better, more cost efficient systems. We see all our clients as partners, working in close cooperation with them to develop what they expect, and on time. We believe this is the only way to build long-lasting relationships."