The Hong Kong Futures Exchange (HKFE) announced that today's simulated trading test of its HKATS electronic trading system has been completed.

Today' s test was the latest in a series of tests the Exchange has been conducting as part of its preparations for the migration of Hang Seng Index (HSI) Futures and Options from open outcry trading to HKATS.

The test was developed jointly by the HKFE and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and endorsed by the two respective consultants. It comprised four 30-minute sessions. Each session was designed to confirm HKATS' performance at 3-times historical peak trade activity.

The test results and Members' test evaluations will be analysed by the HKFE's independent consultant, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). The PWC analysis will then be sent to the HKFE and the SFC. Members will be fully advised on the findings as soon as possible.

The Hong Kong Futures Exchange is a leading futures and options marketplace in the Asia Pacific Region, with a membership of over 130 companies, including a number of major international institutions. The Exchange is actively diversifying its product base, which now includes currency, interest rate and equity-based products.

For further enquiries, please contact HKFE Corporate Communications: Mr. Mark Tung on 2842 9448 or Miss Chiu Yeung on 2842 9322.