Paris, August 11, 1998-- Matif's milling wheat contract hit a new daily record on 7 August, with nearly 1,000 futures traded. The previous record was 711, set on 16 July 1998.

Trade volumes reflect both the rising number of traders using the contract and increased overall interest after several weeks of uncertainty regarding the quality of the current year's harvest.

This steady rise confirms its role as a market benchmark backed by an increase in over-the-counter trades covered with Matif products.

By the end of the day, open interest had reached a new peak of 5,323 lots.

Steady growth in demand for milling wheat futures - launched last March - reflect the contract's excellent fit with users' needs and testify to the popularity of electronic trading in commodities on Matif.

Appendix: Trading volume and open interest for Matif's milling wheat contract

Contacts: Antoinette Bouvier-Darpy - Tel. +33/1 40 28 83 89