The investment world paused today to remember those who were killed a year ago in the terrorist attacks. From trading floors to corporate offices, moments of silence commemorated the specific times when the attacks occurred, and quiet rooms were set aside for those who wanted time for reflection.
Major U.S. stock markets delayed their openings by 90 minutes, with the NYSE, Nasdaq and American Stock Exchange beginning today’s trading at 11 a.m. EDT. The closing bell at the NYSE this afternoon was rung by family of NYSE members killed a year ago.
New York Board of Trade, which lost its home in 4 World Trade Center last year, made announcements on its trading floor in Long Island City and dimmed the lights for one minute at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:43 a.m., 9:59 a.m., 10:10 a.m., and 10:29 a.m. EDT to commemorate the various events of last Sept. 11. NYBOT member Anthony DeMarco performed a musical tribute, singing from 10:15 to 10:25. The exchange also observed four minutes of silence prior to honoring the four NYBOT members who died on Sept. 11. The service ended at 12:45 p.m. with a bagpipe procession.
The Chicago Board of Trade opened financial contracts trading normally but closed early, at 1 p.m. CDT Stock index contracts opening was delayed until 11 a.m. EDT. Chicago Mercantile Exchange began trading on its stock index products at 11 a.m. CDT, with moments of silence at 7:46 a.m. and 9:29 a.m. CDT.
Tom Jones, CEO of Citigroup Asset Management, said via conference call with his staff that the firm had been witness to "one of the most evil days the world had ever seen.” He thanked employees for helping to move the business forward in a very tough year. Spokeswoman Mary Atheridge said Citigroup was "letting people do what they want” in dealing with the anniversary of the attacks. Some people took the day off, and counselors were available in the firm’s offices. She said some department heads had special breakfasts with their staffs. Citigroup Asset Management’s offices at 7 World Trade Center were destroyed in the attacks, but no one from the firm was killed.
Morgan Stanley unveiled a plaque in its New York headquarters listing the names of the 13 employees killed in the disaster.
At Lombard Odier, a ringing bell marked the moments each World Trade Center tower was hit and collapsed.
Employees at Credit Suisse Asset Management/CSFB in New York were offered a "reflection room” to go and sit quietly, said Caroline Chartier, spokeswoman.
At a commemorative event in Washington hosted by Deputy Labor Secretary Cameron Findlay, Frank Clisham, the PWBA’s New York regional director, presented a plaque thanking colleagues at PWBA regional offices for their donations to the New York office. The PWBA’s New York office in 7 World Trade Center was destroyed, but no employees were hurt.
Putnam Investments employees joined those of parent Marsh & McLennan for a performance of selections from Mozart’s "Requiem” in an outdoor plaza next to the parent’s corporate headquarters in New York. Marsh & McLennan lost 295 people in the attacks. Putnam also will hold a blood drive tomorrow in Boston in honor of the victims, including employee Lynn Goodchild, who was on United Flight 175, which crashed into the WTC.
At the NAGDA Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., a soloist sang "The Star-Spangled Banner” in tribute to the victims. Two large screens used for presentations showed photos of an American flag as a backdrop to the Statue of Liberty.
