Intercontinental Exchange Inc. - ICE STOCK NEWS

In November 2020, interest rates continued to decline, with the 30-year note rate dropping to 2.97%, marking a 1% decrease from November 2019. FHA and Conventional loan rates fell to 2.99% and the VA loan rate reached 2.72%. Refinances accounted for 61% of all closed loans, up from 49% year-over-year. However, average FICO scores dipped to 752 and closing rates slightly decreased to 75.6%. The time to close loans extended to 55 days. Demand for refinancing remains strong amid ongoing pandemic-related economic conditions.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE) has launched the GBP SONIA ICE Swap Rate benchmark, offering a new option for licensees transitioning from LIBOR. This benchmark is determined using the ICE Swap Rate's 'Waterfall' methodology with input from SONIA interest rate swaps and will be available concurrently with GBP LIBOR settings. The launch follows positive market feedback and successful beta testing since October 2020. Tim Bowler, President of ICE Benchmark Administration, emphasized the significance of this development for the non-linear derivatives market.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) has launched futures on 10 additional MSCI indices, enhancing its offering of ESG-focused investment tools. These include four climate-related indices aimed at integrating climate and carbon risk into investment strategies. Noteworthy new contracts include the MSCI World Low Carbon Leaders and MSCI Europe Climate Change Index Futures. Furthermore, ICE will also list futures for country-specific indices targeting Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, among others, reinforcing its commitment to providing diverse financial instruments for market participants.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) announces the election of Shantella Cooper and Mark Mulhern as new Directors, effective December 4, 2020. Both bring extensive experience; Cooper in business operations and community transformation, and Mulhern in financial leadership. Their addition increases the Board to 14 members, fostering diverse governance. CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher emphasized their valuable insights will guide ICE's long-term strategy. The appointments align with ICE's mission to enhance transparency and customer focus in its global operations.

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has launched West India Marker LNG (Platts) futures contracts, marking a significant step in the liberalization of natural gas markets. These contracts will settle against the S&P Global Platts daily assessment price for LNG delivered to India, Dubai, and Kuwait. As India aims to increase its LNG consumption from 6% to 15% by 2030, these futures provide much-needed risk management tools for traders in South and West Asia. The increased participation in LNG benchmarks such as TTF and JKM further highlights the evolving natural gas market dynamics.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE) has launched Options and Mid-Curve Options based on Three Month SONIA Index Futures. Since the launch of one month SONIA futures in December 2017 and three month SONIA futures in June 2018, cumulative volume has reached over £13 trillion in notional value. Open interest in three month SONIA futures has hit a record high of 112,723 contracts. This growth reflects increasing market participation as firms transition from LIBOR and manage interest rate risks in the UK.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) announces that ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA) has published a consultation regarding its intention to cease LIBOR settings. This follows discussions with panel banks and the FCA. The consultation is open until January 25, 2021, with results to be shared with the FCA. IBA anticipates a representative panel for USD LIBOR settings until June 30, 2023, but the consultation does not confirm continuation beyond specified dates. ICE Benchmark Administration is authorized by the FCA and complies with EU benchmarks regulation.

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) announced that its ICE Data Services was awarded as the best pricing and valuations data provider in the A-Team Group's 2020 Data Management Insight Awards. The recognition highlights ICE's performance in market data services, catering to fixed income, equity, and derivatives markets with independent pricing on around 3 million securities. ICE's evaluated pricing supports over $1 trillion in managed assets globally and includes a recently launched ESG reference data service to aid customers in identifying risks and opportunities.