"There is enough metal to satisfy outstanding contracts," he said.

Differences that are likely to grow significantly in future periods because they relate to outstanding long-term contracts with fixed terms.

But I could think of nothing; at the moment, we had no outstanding contracts with the Russians.

The average number of such contracts outstanding has risen tenfold in the 10 months since they were introduced.

The number of contracts outstanding at any time is known as the open interest at that time.

As the main criterion for inclusion, The Times will use "open interest," or the number of outstanding contracts.

It was United's only outstanding contract, and the settlement provides top industry pay for the workers.

The company had outstanding contracts that required and desired new works.

In 2004, the company had 4,967 outstanding contracts, a 28 percent increase over 2003.

When outstanding contracts are completed that figure will rise to £1.25 billion.