Peter Reitz, member of the Eurex board, said, "With this new index derivative, we can participate in the rapidly expanding Russian market. We are offering our clients attractive, cost-efficient and liquid investment and diversification opportunities in one of the most important emerging markets."
This is also the first time Eurex offers derivatives based on MSCI indices. New York-based MSCI Barra is the worldwide leading index provider for international equity benchmarks.
"We are delighted to have licensed Eurex for the creation of derivatives based on the MSCI International Equity Indices, starting with futures and options contracts on the MSCI Russia Index," said David Brierwood, Chief Operating Officer, MSCI Barra.
The MSCI Russia Index comprises the largest Russian companies by market capitalization meeting certain minimum liquidity and free float screens, for companies incorporated in Russia with a listing in Russia, London or New York. The weighting of the components is not capped. Currently it contains 32 companies, and it is reviewed four times a year. Settlement of the index future and index option will be made in cash, with one index point worth USD 25. The future expires in March, June, September and December. Index options are offered with expirations up to 24 months.
In addition to the new index derivatives, Eurex will be listing a new option on Russian stock OJSC Rosneft. The new contract comprises 100 shares, has a maximum maturity of 12 months and delivery will be physical. With this, the number of equity options on Russian underlyings available at Eurex will increase to five. Additionally, Eurex offers trading in 19 Russian equity futures.
MSCI and the MSCI index names are service marks of MSCI Inc. ("MSCI") or its affiliates and have been licensed for use by the Eurex. Futures contracts and options contracts on any MSCI index ("Index Contracts") are not sponsored, guaranteed or endorsed by MSCI, its affiliates or any other party involved in, or related to, making or compiling such MSCI index. Neither MSCI, its affiliates nor any other third party involved in, or related to, making or compiling any MSCI index makes any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such Index Contracts. Neither MSCI, its affiliates nor any other third party involved in, or related to, making or compiling any MSCI index makes any warranty, express or implied, or bears any liability as to the results to be obtained by any person or any entity from the use of any such
MSCI index or any data included therein. No purchaser, seller or holder of this Index Contract, or any other person or entity, should use or refer to any MSCI trade name, trademark or service mark to sponsor, endorse, market or promote this Index Contract without first contacting MSCI to determine whether MSCI's permission is required.