ADVISORY/Blackwood Trading, LLC Announces Record Number of Executed Trades.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...for Thursday (Jan. 4)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHO:  Blackwood Trading, LLC, a premier financial software
      development firm offering the most advanced direct access
      trading system to the financial community.

WHAT: Blackwood's managing partners Ben Weinger and Craig
      Schlifstein, and head trader Larry Bag today announced record
      daily trading volume.

      In light of the Federal Reserve's cut in interest rates,
      Blackwood traders executed the most trades in company history.
      Blackwood more than doubled its average number of daily shares
      traded in 2000.

      Blackwood managing partners Weinger and Schlifstein, and head
      trader Bag are available for media commentary on the following
      issues related to the cut in interest rates:

        -   Will the Nasdaq's rally continue?

        -   How does direct access technology benefit investors in
            this type of market?

        -   What are the implications for retail and institutional
            investors?

      The media are invited to Blackwood's 100 Wall Street
      trading floor to watch head trader Larry Bag "in action"
      and learn more about the benefits of direct access trading
      technology.

         More information on Blackwood Trading can be found at
                      www.blackwoodtrading.com.