The Options Industry Council Adds Virtual Trading to Its Portfolio of Educational Tools

Chicago—November 27, 2007

The Options Industry Council (OIC) announced today the addition of a new Virtual Trading System (VTS) to its robust online educational offerings. This system is designed to provide investors with the most realistic trading environment possible as they practice executing various options strategies. VTS will be available in limited release on November 28 and to the public in January 2008.

In keeping with its mission to educate investors, OIC is taking advantage of new technology by adding the VTS to its vast array of learning tools. As an investor becomes more knowledgeable, it is evident that a virtual trading platform becomes an integral step for rehearsing different options trading scenarios. OIC’s VTS screens allow investors to experience a realistic trading situation for trading stocks and options, using strategies such as spreads, straddles and covered calls, while also investigating different order types like triggers and one-cancels-other (OCO). The system also offers stock and options quote detail screens where users can obtain quotes whenever they need to from any screen through the integrated quote window. Other highlights include performance analysis tools, the ability to set reminders on positions and the opportunity to reset an account and start over from the beginning. Additionally, the OIC Help Desk (1-888-OPTIONS) is available to assist VTS participants, as well as other investors curious about options, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST.

The addition of the state-of-the-art VTS to its educational resources is another example of how OIC has been the leading neutral source for options education for 15 years. To better reflect this long-term commitment to increasing the awareness, knowledge and responsible use of exchange-listed equity options among individual investors and their financial advisors, OIC has renamed its website www.optionseducation.org.

About OIC

OIC is an industry cooperative funded by the American Stock Exchange, Boston Options Exchange, Chicago Board Options Exchange, International Securities Exchange, NYSE Arca, Philadelphia Stock Exchange and The Options Clearing Corporation. OIC's resources include: The Options Industry Services Help Desk at 1-888-OPTIONS, educational Web sites at www.optionseducation.org and www.OICoptions.com, evening seminars throughout the continental United States and Canada, instructional DVDs and educational literature and software.

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