DGCX holds road shows to engage market participants ahead of the launch of their Steel Rebar Futures contract

• Series of road shows to enhance understanding among wider investor community.

• First contract of its type in the world

• Local and regional steel community shows keen interest in the contract.

The first of this series was held in Dubai on Sunday, September 9th, 2007 at the Sheraton Jumeriah Hotel. The seminar saw the participation of a number of significant players from the steel industry in the region. Among the attendees were Al Tuwairqi Group, ETA Star Group, Al Habtoor Engineering and Attieh Steel.

The move marks a significant step forward in the introduction of steel derivatives to regional participants. The series of investor road shows planned by the exchange is expected to go a long way in equipping the steel community and other investors with the essential know-how on the functional and technical aspects of trading in derivatives. A large number of regional investors are also participating in the road shows.

Commenting on the road shows, Colin Griffith, Chairman, DGCX, said, 'Ever since we have announced the launch of the contract, we have been receiving enthusiastic responses from across the spectrum - producers, financial institutions, hedge fund managers and investors playing in the metals market. What is important now is to provide them with the necessary understanding on the modalities of trading the contract and its benefits. We have planned this series of road shows with the objective of educating investors on derivatives trading in general and our steel futures in particular.'

DGCX Steel Rebar Futures Contract being the world's first internationally accessible exchange-traded instrument that provides coverage of physical steel, the regional steel community has already grasped its potential and is keen on taking full advantage of it.

Stressing the need for the product in the region and the advantages to the steel community, John Short, Executive Director, Steel and Base Metals, said, 'Addressing the need for price risk management tools in the steel sector is of enormous significance, given the region's active construction markets and volatility in steel prices. The DGCX Steel Rebar Futures Contract will not only hedge away price risk but also open up a new and lucrative avenue to invest in steel. We want to make sure that market participants are properly guided to make good use of the contract. We hope the series of road shows and seminars will create sufficient awareness about the contract among investors.'

Price volatility in steel can be in excess of 20%, putting tremendous stress on cash flow management and project profitability. Intense construction activity has pushed up demand for the metal in the Middle East, which now annually consumes over 50 million metric tons. Globally, steel consumption has surged to 1.15 billion metric tons a year.