ISE Launches New FTSE 100 Index Options; Innovative ``Mini'' Structure Easier To Trade

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.