Total futures pit trade for the month of October declined slightly from year ago levels, totaling 221,656 contracts, compared to 265,054 in 2000. Calendar year-to-date total volume in futures was up 20.6% compared to the 2000 calendar year-to-date total through October.
Pit trade in canola futures for October declined slightly from a year ago, totaling 184,945 contracts, compared to 208,639 contracts in 2000. Canola futures crop and calendar year-to-date volumes were up 3.2% and 29.1%, respectively compared to year ago levels. Open interest levels in canola futures remained roughly the same as year ago totals. As of October 31, 2001 canola open interest levels reached 68,731 contracts, compared to 69,005 contracts on October 31, 2000.
Western barley volume levels decreased 16.6% in the month of October to 19,558 contracts compared to 23,447 contracts in October 2000. Western barley open interest levels ended the month 19.5% behind year-ago levels at 12,455 contracts.
Combined futures and options volume levels declined for the month of October at 230,439 contracts compared to 271,932 contracts in October 2000. However, calendar year-to-date futures and options pit trade for 2001 reached 2,431,169 contracts, well ahead of the 1,991,405 contracts established in the 2000 calendar year. Total options and futures open interest levels saw a slight decline, down 9.0% from a year ago as of October 31, 2001 at 96,343 contracts.
