Listing Criteria For The Multiple Listing of Equity Options

Equity options are listed on the American Stock Exchange Board Options Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Pacific Stock Exchange, International Securities Exchange, and Boston Stock Exchange. This study identified the criteria for selection of options for listing over tile August-September 1999, 2000-2002, and 2003-2005 periods. Trading volume and size were the primary selection criteria for all three periods. Volatility was a selection criterion during the preperiod (1 997- 1998) only. No clearly defined selection criteria emerged for listings on the third exchange in 2000-2002 or on two or three exchanging in 2003-2005.