The world's four largest derivatives exchanges have continued to enjoy strong volumes in 2006, with each recording in excess of a 10% increase, year-on-year. In addition, Euronext Liffe and Chicago Board of Trade (CBoT) both experienced record first quarters with total volume up 27% to 183m and 11% to 192.7m respectively on 2005 levels.
Euronext Liffe also enjoyed a record trading month in March as 68m contracts changed hands. Notable highlights during the month saw interest rate products rise 31% on year-ago figures, whilst more than 17m single equity derivatives contracts traded.
European rival Eurex also saw quarterly volumes rise 20% year-on-year to 375m with record trading in its fixed income and equity products. Trading in the fixed income segment stood at more than 81m contracts during March, an increase of 20%, whilst volume in its equity products was up 38% to 67.3m contracts. Meanwhile, trading in SSFs saw...