Winnipeg Commodity Exchange Canola Futures Sees Increase In Volume Over Year-Ago Totals

Activity in WCE canola futures trade was higher for the month of June, up 9.9% at 152,979 contracts, compared to 139,256 contracts traded in June of 2002. Canola futures volume for June 2003 also exceeded last month's (May 2003) volume by 27.3%. Canola futures open interest as of June 30, 2003 was 45,400 contracts, 11.6% above the year-ago level of 40,675 contracts.

Overall, total futures volume for the month of June rose slightly from a year ago, totaling 172,174 contracts, compared to 168,824 contracts in 2002. Meanwhile, total futures open interest was up 4.5%, from a year ago, as of June 30, 2003 totaling 59,970 contracts.

Combined futures and options volume levels increased in June 2003 at 173,847 contracts compared to 171,480 contracts in June of 2002. Total futures and options open interest levels saw a slight increase, up 5.3% from a year ago as of June 30, 2003 totalling 63,592 contracts.

Winnipeg canola options trade for the month saw a 36.2% decrease, totaling 1,651 contracts, compared to 2,586 contracts in 2002. Open interest levels in canola options increased by 58.5% compared to year ago totals. As of June 30, 2003 canola options open interest levels reached 3,478 contracts, compared to 2,194 contracts on June 30, 2002.