Eurex launches derivatives on three further Stoxx indices

The futures and options on the DJ Stoxx Large 200 and DJ Stoxx Small 200 supplement those available on the DJ Stoxx Mid 200 since 2005, completing the range of derivatives on the Stoxx size indices.

In the past months, the volume of options traded on the Dow Jones Stoxx Mid 200 Index has far exceeded that of any other pan-European size index options. The two new index options will enable investors to structure their portfolios even more precisely based on large, mid and small caps.

The DJ Euro Stoxx Select Dividend30 index comprises the 30 equities with the best dividend performance in the euro zone. The futures and options on this index are the first in Europe and are aimed in particular at investors who pursue dividend-based investment strategies.

Says Eurex board member Peter Reitz: ‘The popularity of dividend strategies among investors has grown substantially, particularly because shares with higher dividend yields have developed significantly better than shares with lower dividend yields in recent years.’

The overall interest in the DJ Euro Stoxx Select Dividend30 index is underscored by the fact that traded volumes in ETFs on the dividend index are up strongly. Reitz adds: ‘The corresponding ETFs already rank among the top ten ETFs in terms of assets under management in Europe.’

The new futures and options are settled in cash in the same way as existing equity index derivatives. From the beginning, market makers will ensure liquidity in all products. Eurex is offering a fee holiday for the new futures and options until the end of 2007.