-- Posted 20 April, 2006 | |

Contact: Anu Ahluwalia , 212-299-2439
Title: Exchange to Change Margins for COMEX Division Futures Contracts
NEW YORK, N.Y., April 20, 2006 —The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. today announced margin changes for its gold, silver, and copper futures contracts, beginning at the close of business on Friday. Margins for the gold futures contract will increase to $2,250 from $1,750 for clearing and non–clearing members and to $3,038 from $2,363 for customers. Margins for the silver futures contract will increase to $4,500 from $3,750 for clearing and non–clearing members and to $6,075 from $5,063 for customers. Margins for the copper futures contract will increase to $4,000 from $3,750 for clearing and non–clearing members and to $5,400 from $5,063 for customers. # # # Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release may contain forward–looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to our future performance, operating results, strategy, and other future events. Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, and similar words and terms, in connection with any discussion of future results. Forward–looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, any of which may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated, estimated, or projected results referenced in forward–looking statements. In particular, the forward–looking statements of NYMEX Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries are subject to the following risks and uncertainties: the success and timing of new futures contracts and products; changes in political, economic, or industry conditions; the unfavorable resolution of material legal proceedings; the impact and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection; the impact of legislative and regulatory actions, including without limitation, actions by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and terrorist activities and international hostilities, which may affect the general economy as well as oil and other commodity markets. We assume no obligation to update or supplement our forward–looking statements.

-- Posted 20 April, 2006 | |