The new fee structure, due to take effect on April 1, 2008, is estimated to bring CHF40 million (EUR24 million) in annual savings for users based on first half revenues. According to the SWX, this represents a further 15% reduction in the cost of trading, following a headline price cut of 15% on virt-x at the start of 2007.

The fee reduction is the latest step in SWX and virt-x’s re-pricing program, which saw a 100% trading-fee waiver of CHF33 million on virt-x in the last quarter of 2006, and a subsequent 15% headline price cut in virt-x fees in January 2007.

The Swiss Exchange also said that the new pricing model will bring other benefits to investors, such as a simple tariff structure and volume discounts.

The new tariff structure is part of the SWX Group’s “Trading for the Future” programme, which will facilitate increased levels of algorithmic trading and Direct Market Access (DMA) opportunities for market participants through a programme to provide greater capacity and reduced latency.

Jurg Spillmann, Head of the SWX Group Executive Committee, noted: “We have long recognised the importance of providing cost-effective trading services and our new tariff structure will deliver further important savings for intermediaries and investors alike.”

Jim Gollan, Chairman of virt-x, added: “We are committed to driving growth in Swiss blue-chip trading and today’s announcement represents the latest step in our strategy to significantly enhance our overall service offering and deliver greater economic value to customers and investors.”