The MX says that the French securities regulator, the Autorité des marchés financiers, has awarded it “recognized market” status. This will enable the MX to connect French investors directly to its electronic trading platform. “With the addition of French participants to its electronic market, the Montreal Exchange can further position itself in the leading international liquidity centers,” it said.

The exchange notes that it has received similar decisions from regulators in the United States and the United Kingdom, which resulted in higher trading volumes. Foreign participation is responsible for more than 50% of its futures trading activity, it says.

The MX reports that daily market activity was up by 54% in February, compared with the same month last year. And, 2005 volume was up 33% from 2004.