Chicago-based online brokerage firm Alaron has launched a new
division targeting the growing global appetite for futures markets and
products.

Alaron's new AlaronGlobal division is targeting investors outside the
US "who are demanding access to the increasing array of futures
markets and products".

AlaronGlobal will be led by Scott Slutsky, Managing Director of
Alaron. The major new initiative follows recent growth at the firm and
continued expansion driven by a surge in international demand for
the round-the-clock access to futures markets.

AlaronGlobal will focus on foreign exchange, cash metals, systems
trading and managed futures accounts and will provide broker
assisted and online accounts with free quotes, technical price charts,
research and educational materials.  Trades can be executed through
brokers, or with AlaronGlobal's electronic trading platforms.

Slutsky said: "Though retail and institutional global investors may
vary in continents and cultures, they all demand non-stop access to
markets backed by the highest level of expertise and service."

He added: "We will replicate our successful US business model and
offer our global customers the best in research, trading tools and
service, continuing to lead through education."

A 25-year industry veteran, Slutsky has been a Managing Director at
Alaron for 3 years. He previously worked in various capacities at
Chicago's major exchanges and is an accomplished author of two
books on futures trading.

Throughout 2004, Slutsky will set up AlaronGlobal's satellite offices,
the first of which are expected in Dubai, Frankfurt, Moscow, and
Geneva.  As demand grows, additional offices will be added in Asia
and the Pacific Rim. Slutsky also will be instrumental in sponsoring,
participating and leading educational seminars on futures trading
throughout the globe.

Background Note: Headquartered in Chicago, with offices
throughout the US, Alaron is an independent full service and online
brokerage firm serving individual and institutional investors in futures
and futures options markets with superior research, order execution
and managed investment products.  Alaron is a Clearing Member of
the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange and One
Chicago, and is a Member Firm of NQLX and the Merchants
Exchange.