London, 7 April 2011

Volumes at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited ( PMEX – formerly National Commodity Exchange Limited) reached another record during the first quarter of 2011. March alone saw the traded value crossing Rs50 billion monthly for the first time. The overall first quarter volume saw a 1,026 percent increase in terms of value traded over the corresponding period last year and a 62 percent increase over the previous quarter.

This represents the increasing interest of investors as well as the rapidly increasing expertise of commodity brokers.

“We are very encouraged with the continuing growth on the exchange and are optimistic for the coming months as our brokers continue to increase their coverage and focus on various new commodities,” said Samir Ahmed, Managing Director PMEX.

PMEX increased its operational timings last month and is now opens almost round-the-clock with trading in gold, silver and crude oil.

The exchange also lists IRRI-6 rice, palm olien and KIBOR futures. This yearPMEX also expects to list sugar, wheat, maize, basmati rice and currency futures.

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