media release 17jun part 2

continued Bursa Malaysia news,,,

On the derivatives front, the number of contracts recorded an improvement with a total of 3.2 million contracts traded in the period under review compared to 1.6 million in the previous corresponding period. The derivatives market also posted a 77% increase in trading revenue to RM23.7 million for the period ended 30 June 2007 from RM13.4 million in the first half of 2006. The uptrend was largely due to high interest in crude palm oil futures (FCPO) and Kuala Lumpur Index futures (FKLI) contracts.

Dato’ Yusli said, “On an annualised basis, our derivatives market saw a 56% growth in the volume of contracts traded and this has certainly surpassed our target of 40% this year. The heightened interest is mainly due to higher volatility of crude palm oil prices supported by the reduction of transaction fees and revision of FCPO contract specifications undertaken by the Exchange in order to accelerate market growth.”

Bursa Malaysia also declared an interim gross dividend of 32 sen per share or a net dividend of 23.36 sen per share, which represents a payout of 90% of the Group’s net profit for the period ended 30 June 2007. The payout is 15% higher than the Group’s dividend policy of minimum 75% dividend payout. The interim dividend will be paid out to its shareholders by early August 2007.