WCE Reports Big January

WINNIPEG - Feb 8/06 - SNS -- Monthly volume records continue to be set by the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange since converting from an open outcry to computer traded system.

During reach of the past eight months, trading volumes have been above year earlier levels. Total volume in January reached 217,235 contracts, up 52.1% from last year; making it the second highest total monthly volume on record for January.

The highest monthly volume for January was recorded in 2001 when 240,342 futures and options contracts were traded.

Volume of trade in canola futures contracts soared 67.3% over the level recorded in January 2005. There were 195,189 canola futures contracts traded during January 2006.Western barley futures contract volume was 5.1% over the level of January 2005, with 16,241 contracts traded.There were also 4,697 feed wheat futures contracts and 1,108 canola options contracts traded during the month.

Since August 1 futures contracts volume is 21.3% higher than last year. Options trade for the crop year-to-date is 135.8% higher than a year ago. Total volume for the crop year-to-date is 22.3% over last year at 1,179,938 contracts.At the end of January 2006 total open interest stood at 115,876 contracts. This level of open interest is 26.7% higher than the end of January 2005.