Eurex, the international derivatives exchange, reported on Monday that a total of 199 million contracts were traded in March 2007. This is the strongest trading month ever on Eurex, an increase of approximately 34 percent compared with March 2006; the previous record trading month was May 2006 (174 million contracts).

Eurex, the international derivatives exchange, will expand its product portfolio and introduce 17 single stock futures - on the Royal Dutch Shell shares and on the 16 sterling denominated components of the Dow Jones STOXX 50 index. The contracts will be available as of 21 May 2007.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority has with immediate effect granted Eurex the status of a Recognised Body within the Dubai International Financial Centre. The DFSA is the independent, integrated regulatory authority responsible for the regulation of all financial and ancillary services conducted in or from the DIFC.

Eurex, the international derivatives exchange, will start trading in credit index futures on 27 March with three contracts. In addition to the already announced future based on the iTraxx® Europe 5 year, Eurex will offer futures contracts on the iTraxx® HiVol 5 year and iTraxx® Crossover 5 year indices.