The NYSE Euronext announced that it has entered an agreement for strategic cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Securities Market.

The firms said they have entered a cooperation agreement to jointly develop and explore new opportunities in trading systems and other related technology, investor and issuer services, and investment products.

As part of this alliance, NYSE Euronext will provide ADSM with state-of-the-art information and market infrastructure systems and technology to host all financial instruments admitted to trading on ADSM, by the end of 2008. In addition, NYSE Euronext and ADSM will explore the development of new ventures, including the implementation of ADSM’s derivatives market.

Duncan Niederauer, CEO of NYSE Euronext, said, “We welcome this unique opportunity to work more closely with ADSM and are committed to the success of this strategic alliance, which is consistent with NYSE Euronext’s vision and strategic business objectives.”

Additionally, the NYSE Euronext announced that its board of directors has authorized the buyback of up to US$1 billion of its common stock. It also approved a 20% increase in its annual dividend to US$1.20 from US$1.00 per common share as part of a new dividend policy to grow the dividend to its shareholders, with a target payout ratio of 35% to 45 % of net income, while maintaining high investment grade credit ratings.