The Clearing Corporation Expands Acceptable Original Margin Collateral

Chicago, April 20, 2004 – The Clearing Corporation (“CCorp”) today announced that, effective immediately, it will expand the security classes it accepts to satisfy original margin requirements to include Fannie Mae MBSs and Freddie Mac Gold PCs. In addition, CCorp will begin accepting the Merrimac Cash Series (Premium Class) money market mutual fund.

“The Clearing Corporation is constantly seeking ways to enhance service to our participant firms, “ said Dennis Dutterer, CCorp President and CEO. “This latest expansion offers clearing participants a greater return on assets and improves customer satisfaction by providing them more alternatives for satisfying margin requirements.”

Further information on The Clearing Corporation’s current offerings for acceptable original margin collateral is available at http://www.clearingcorp.com/clearingmembers/RiskMargin/CcorpAcceptableCollateral.pdf

About The Clearing Corporation
The Clearing Corporation, a stockholder-owned, Delaware corporation now in its 79^th year of business, is the only active independent futures clearinghouse in the world. Additional information on The Clearing Corporation is available at www.clearingcorp.com

Contact: Andrew Yemma

Intermarket Communications

212-888-6115