This will allow traders to execute market neutral strategies to help leverage changing market conditions by simultaneously selling and buying highly correlated securities.

The Citi's pairs algorithm leverages a unique aggression level methodology together with other sophisticated parameters to help optimize hedging strategies. Citi Electronic Markets developed the new pairs strategy in close cooperation with leading execution management system providers, while leveraging the firm's cutting-edge execution logic and extensive customization capabilities.

"After extensive internal testing, we are proud to bring this strategy to market," said Tim Reilly, Head of North American Electronic Execution Sales. "This is clearly another milestone for our platform and underscores our commitment to provide clients with best-in-class self-directed trading tools."

"Our quant team worked closely with numerous pairs traders to perfect the strategy that leverages our existing market-leading DaggerSM logic," said Young Kang, Global Head of Algorithmic Products. "This will allow our clients to be more efficient in today's fast-paced markets, and we are confident, based on our trial client feedback, that users will quickly realize the thoughtfulness of pairs order ticket presentation and the power of great algorithmic logic, which is so essential to pairs trading."

Portware and ConvergEx's RealTick have already made the Citi pairs algorithm available in their trading platforms. Additional vendors are expected to roll out the strategy in February.