Euronext Amsterdam is to convert its defunct futures and options trading floor into a news centre for the financial industry.
After 6 December 2002, once all exchange trading has been computerised, the exchange building at Beursplein 5 will house hundreds of traders and a range of media, becoming a centre for the exchange of information between investors, companies, traders, analysts, the media and the public.
The exchange floor will continue to be a focal point at Beursplein 5, says Euronext Amsterdam. It will contain workplaces for some 150 traders and offer a number of camera positions for the press. Also, six special rooms will be made available to listed companies and other organisations for holding meetings with the press, analysts, shareholders and the like.
Euronext Amsterdam started the gradual transition from floor trading to screen trading for derivatives in November 2001. At the moment, 90% of all options and futures are traded on screen.