Technology firm IPC says it has launched a service to improve connectivity between Japanese stock exchanges and futures traders in Chicago. The service supports the recent launch of yen-denominated Tokyo stock price index (TOPIX) futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). David Dodd, managing director, Asia‐Pacific at IPC says clients will benefit from “simpler and faster connectivity ... lower costs and a more reliable service”. According to a deal announced last month, CME Group has an exclusive licence outside of Japan to use the TOPIX index as a reference rate in listed yen-denominated futures and options on futures. In a statement accompanying the launch, CME Group chief executive Terry Duffy said the futures would be a risk management tool for international investors with exposure to Japan. ©2017 funds global asia