ISE Intl Secs Exchange Hldgs

The International Securities Exchange (NYSE: ISE) announced today that on May 5th, 2006, it launched index options on the FTSE 100 through an innovative "Mini" contract structure whereby one contract is equivalent to 100 underlying shares of the FTSE 100. This product was developed with FTSE Group, the award-winning index provider. Timber Hill LLC serves as the Primary Market Maker. This is the first time that FTSE 100 options have traded electronically in the U.S., as well as the first time that FTSE "Mini" contracts on indexes are being offered in the U.S. Additionally, this will be ISE's first international cash-settled index options. "We are extremely pleased to introduce the first electronically traded "Mini" index options on the FTSE 100," said Bruce D. Goldberg, ISE's Chief Marketing Officer. "We believe this product anticipates investor demand for global diversification and risk management trading strategies and delivers an effective trading strategy that is both affordable and easy to use for both retail and institutional investors alike." Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive of FTSE Group, commented, "This is an exciting development for U.S. investors to now have a domestic opportunity to invest in the FTSE 100, an important industry measure." Additional information about this product, including methodology guides, component lists and weightings, performance metrics and historical data is available on ISE's website, www.iseoptions.com, on the Products Traded / Index Options page. ISE Background The International Securities Exchange (ISE) is an innovative securities market, founded on the principle that technology and competition create better, more efficient markets for investors. ISE is the largest equity options exchange and is among the leading options exchanges in the world. ISE developed a unique market structure for advanced screen-based trading systems and in May 2000 launched the first fully electronic US options exchange. The ISE Stock Exchange LLC will launch in the third quarter of 2006 with strategic partners, offering an innovative MidPoint Match platform, followed by a fully integrated displayed Best Bid Offer (BBO) market in the fourth quarter. ISE is also a majority owner of Longitude LLC, an innovative platform for events markets trading, and offers enhanced market data products for sophisticated investors. ISE continually enhances its trading systems and develops new products, including index options and market data, to provide investors with the best marketplace and investment tools to trade smarter. For more information about ISE, its options products and its technology, visit www.iseoptions.com and for more information about the ISE Stock Exchange LLC, visit www.isestock.com.