NYSE Liffe Launches New MSCI Stock Index Futures Products

NYSE Liffe, the new U.S. futures exchange arm of NYSE Euronext, announced it will introduce a suite of domestic and international index futures products after signing a licensing agreement with MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools.

The futures products will be based on a range of MSCI Equity Indices and will provide market coverage of U.S. and European equity markets, including style and sector exposures and coverage of flagship MSCI indices such as the MSCI Emerging Markets, MSCI EAFE and MSCI BRIC Indices.

In a statement, Duncan Niederauer, CEO of NYSE Euronext, said, “This license agreement marks the beginning of a substantial commitment between two industry leaders in MSCI and NYSE Euronext to develop innovative products serving the needs of the global investment community. This exciting set of products fits strategically with NYSE Liffe US’ evolving value proposition and our commitment to building a premier US futures exchange.”

These latest products are NYSE Liffe’s first entry into new asset classes after the initial gold and silver contracts it began trading with in September of 2008.

Added Thomas Callahan, NYSE Euronext Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. Futures, “In addition to the tremendous liquidity available on the NYSE Arca platform in ETFs based on MSCI indices, and combined with the margin efficiencies available at OCC, the MSCI family of indices are a natural and exciting core product set for NYSE Liffe US. Adding futures products based on the MSCI EM and MSCI EAFE Indices to NYSE Liffe US is the first of many innovative futures products that we plan to introduce in the months ahead. NYSE Liffe US delivers credibility and innovation along with the liquidity, functionality and cost effectiveness that our clients demand.”