I think it must be some sort of German business logic; attack the strongest competitors head on at their strongest point.
Eurex is here to stay with some deep pockets and the regulatory expertise to enter into the US market and cooperate fully. IMHO
http://www.eurexus.com/data/statistics/monthly/eurex_us_monthlystat_200505.xls Total volume for the YEAR 2005 is less than 1.6M If they plan on staying they had better come out with some more products because no body is trading the current ones.
Volume has been horrible lately. I think it was friday where there were only about 500 bond contracts traded, and I believe less than 100 10 year's. There were no trades at all on the russell!!!
I think EUREX US should: 1. List all the CME FX products - majors, minors, crosses. 2. List crude and natural gas. 3. Waive all exchange fees for an intro six months period.
I would quite like to see it succeed as an exchange but with the business strategy they appear to adopting it doesn't look too likely. They need to go after all the pit traded contracts by offering a viable electronic alternative.
The strategy for success is now completely dependent on "Phase Two" of the global clearing link attracting more volume to the exchange. It will be interesting to see if the CFTC gives approval by the end of summer. http://www.eurexus.com/about/company_info/press_releases/eurex_us_news_pressreleases_400.html
EUREXUS should list as many PHYSICAL COMMODITIES on ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE as is doable. Take the business from pits of NYMEX, LME etc. CBOT has started the game with electronic gold/silver. But they're keeping the pit for the rest.