The OM Stockholm Exchange Extends Its Opening Hours To CET 10 pm

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the OM Stockholm Exchange on June 20, 2000 it was decided that as from the first half of 2001 the normal trading day will be extended to CET 10 pm (2200hrs). The extension, which will apply to all equities and derivatives, will be implemented in two phases.

In the first phase the normal trading day will be extended to CET 8 pm (2000hrs) as from February 2001. This means that trading will take place continuously throughout the day until CET 8 pm. Index calculations will continue in all indices until the end of the trading day at CET 8 pm at which time the official closing prices will also be set. There will be a discussion surrounding the possible need for a price fix around CET 5.30 pm.

A decision will be made at a later date regarding the timing of the second phase - a further extension to CET 10 pm. However, phase 2 will be introduced no later than June 30, 2001.

For the purpose of clarifying the practical issues which must now be addressed, the OM Stockholm Exchange will immediately appoint a working party made up of representatives from both the Swedish Securities Dealers Association and the Exchange.