CBOT Introduces All-Electronic Gold Options

We're pleased to announce the launch of Chicago Board of Trade options on gold futures. This new product represents an extension of the CBOT Precious Metals Complex, which includes 100-Ounce Gold futures (symbol: ZG), Mini-Sized Gold futures (symbol: XK), 5,000-Ounce Silver futures (symbol: ZI), and Mini-Sized Silver (symbol: XY) futures. All CBOT precious metals contracts, including the new gold options, are traded exclusively on the eCBOT electronic trading platform. This stands in direct contrast to metal futures and options at COMEX, which continue to trade in traditional, open-outcry pits.

Here is a summary of the benefits of trading these new gold options:

• Speed: 100% electronic market, with near instantaneous trade execution and fill confirmations
• Availability: Non-stop trading from 6:18 PM CST (GMT -0600) until 4:00 PM the following day
• Liquidity: Designated electronic market makers ensure a continuous, two-sided trading market

The CBOT has decided to compete directly against the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, and thus far is having some success in winning market share. Last week, for example, CBOT gold futures traded between 11,000 and 16,000 contracts per day, representing as much as 18% of the volume in 100-Ounce Gold futures trading. As more traders discover these CBOT metal futures -- and enjoy the benefits of all-electronic trading -- we expect the CBOT products to gain even more share.

For more information about these products, please don't hesitate to contact XPRESSTRADE customer service at 1.800.947.6228, 24 hours per day during the trading week. We're here to help you in any way that we can!