NEW YORK, N.Y., March 3, 2006 – The New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc., today announced margin changes for its aluminum futures contract, beginning at the close of business on Monday.

Margins for the aluminum futures contract will increase to $2,750 from $2,250 for clearing and non-clearing members and to $3,713 from $3,038 for customers.

Contact: Anu Ahluwalia, (212) 299-2439