The Hong Kong Futures Exchange (HKFE) said Hang Seng (HS) 100 Options volume hit an all-time high of 1,355 contracts today, breaking the previous record of 1,162 contracts set on 23 April 1999.

Today's HS 100 Options volume record was the product's third since the Exchange shifted all electronic trading to its new HKATS platform on Monday, 19 April. Nearly all HKFE products are now trading on HKATS, and Hang Seng Index (HSI) Futures and Options, which are currently traded by open outcry, are scheduled to migrate to the new platform shortly.

HS 100 Options were introduced for trading on 19 September 1998 along with HS 100 Futures. Average daily volume for HS 100 Options topped 100 contracts for the first time in December 1998 and it broke through the 200 level last month, when it rose to 258 contracts.

The Hong Kong Futures Exchange is a leading futures and options market place 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 Manager Miss Chiu Yeung on 2842 9322.