CHICAGO, Nov 01, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- The Archipelago Exchange(R) (ArcaEx(R)), the nation's first totally open, all-electronic stock exchange, today announced that Archipelago Holdings, Inc. in conjunction with Ziegler Capital Management, LLC, has filed documents with the SEC to create a new technology ETF named The ArcaEx Tech 100.* The ETF, sponsored by Ziegler Capital Management, LLC, is expected to launch in early 2006 under the ticker AXT, and will be listed exclusively on ArcaEx. The ETF will be benchmarked to the ArcaEx Tech 100(SM) Index, formerly the PSE Tech 100 Index, which is owned and operated by Archipelago's wholly owned subsidiary the Pacific Exchange, Inc.

"As an all-electronic exchange, revolutionizing an industry through technology, it's a natural fit for Archipelago to launch an ETF based on this successful technology index, and to leverage an asset we acquired in our acquisition of the Pacific Exchange," said Jerry Putnam, CEO of the Archipelago Exchange. "ArcaEx has emerged as a leader in the trading of ETFs and will continue to look for opportunities to provide value added trading and listings services in the ETF arena."

The ArcaEx Tech 100 Index has been in existence since 1982, and is commonly referenced as a benchmark for the U.S. tech sector. This price- weighted Index is comprised of 100 listed and over-the-counter securities including computer hardware, software, semiconductors, telecommunications, data storage and processing, electronics and biotechnology. Modeled as a multi-industry technology index, the objective of the Index is to provide a performance benchmark of leading technology companies operating across a broad spectrum of industries.

The Index's unique price-weighting structure tends to lead to a more even distribution among its 100 holdings, as compared to market-cap weighted indexes, as well as its favorable risk/return characteristics when compared to other often-quoted technology benchmarks. The ArcaEx Tech 100 Index seeks to act as an accurate barometer for the performance of technology leaders.

The Index is relied on by data analysts and rating services such as Morningstar, as well as by asset managers and private investors to gauge the performance of the U.S. equity market's technology sector. While Archipelago has chosen to rename the Index, it will retain its existing constituents and guidelines.

Currently, North Track Funds, Inc. (North Track Funds(R)), distributed by B.C. Ziegler and Company, offers an open-end mutual fund based on the ArcaEx Tech 100 Index. The ArcaEx Tech 100 Index Fund (PPTIX) holds an overall five- star ranking from Morningstar,** and as of September 30, 2005 held nearly $450 million in assets.*** The ArcaEx Tech 100 ETF will be distributed through North Track Funds' existing wholesaling sales force to financial intermediaries nationwide.

"Not all indexes make for good investment portfolios," said David Stoeffel, CEO of North Track Funds and Ziegler Capital Management, LLC. "However, the unique construction methodology behind the ArcaEx Tech 100 Index results in an extremely competitive technology investment, and is the primary reason why the ArcaEx Tech 100 Index Fund has been our flagship product since its launch in 1996."

Stoeffel added, "Over time, we've developed a proficiency with this product -- both in how we market and promote it to financial intermediaries. The fit with Archipelago was a natural extension of our own branding, Index Funds With Advice. We're pleased Archipelago has chosen to partner with us on this exciting ETF launch."

In recent months, Archipelago has taken aggressive steps towards growing its ETF listings business. In June, Archipelago announced a new suite of services around indexes, serving as the calculation agent and providing tickers and broad distribution to the public over the Consolidated Tape Association. ArcaEx also trades more ETF volume than any other exchange. Through third quarter 2005, ArcaEx traded nearly 34% of the market share of executed shares handled.

The ArcaEx Tech 100 ETF is issued by the Exchange Traded Trust, a 1940 Act Registered Investment Company.

About ArcaEx

Archipelago Holdings (PCX: AX) operates the Archipelago Exchange(R) (ArcaEx(R)) the first totally open all-electronic stock exchange in the United States. ArcaEx trades all Nasdaq-listed equity securities and exchange listed equity securities, including those listed on the New York Stock Exchange(R), American Stock Exchange(R), and Pacific Exchange(R). In addition to offering core execution services, ArcaEx provides corporate clients with listing services and innovative data products. In 2004, Archipelago launched ArcaVision to provide corporate and trading clients with more transparent market data, analytical tools and access to market-wide and ArcaEx specific trading information. Archipelago Holdings completed its initial public offering in August 2004. For more information please visit www.archipelago.com.

The Archipelago Exchange does not sponsor, affiliate, or endorse the products and/or services of Morningstar nor is it sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Morningstar. ETF claims are based on market data from January 2005 to September 2005.

About Ziegler

Ziegler Capital Management, LLC (ZCM), is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Ziegler Companies, Inc. (ZCOI), an investment banking, financial advisory, investment advisory, and asset management firm founded in 1902. ZCM provides money management, portfolio management, cash management, asset management and other investment advice services to institutional investors, businesses, high net-worth and individual clients. With locations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; and Grand Rapids, Michigan, ZCM serves as investment advisor to the North Track Funds.

Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on Archipelago's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Archipelago's actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. There can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause Archipelago's results to differ materially from current expectations include: general economic and business conditions, industry trends, competitive conditions, regulatory developments as well as other risks or factors identified in the Company's filings with the Securities Exchange Commission, including its Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004 which is available on the Company's website at http://www.archipelago.com. You should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except for any obligation to disclose material information under the Federal securities laws, Archipelago undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

* Please consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and
      expenses of the ArcaEx Tech 100 ETF carefully before investing in the
      ETF.  This and other information regarding the ArcaEx Tech 100 ETF can
      be found in the ETF's Prospectus, which can be obtained by calling 1-
      800-798-8324.  Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing in
      the ArcaEx Tech 100 ETF.

      The information in this document is not complete and may be changed. A
      registration statement relating to the securities of ArcaEx Tech 100 ETF
      has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We may not
      sell these securities until the registration statement filed the
      Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This document is not an
      offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy
      these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.


    ** Overall rating out of 247 Specialty Technology funds as of September
       30, 2005. The North Track ArcaEx Tech 100 Index Fund (formerly known as
       the North Track PSE Tech 100 Index Fund) (Class A Shares) received 4-
       stars for the 3-year period ending September 30, 2005 out of 247 funds,
       and 5-stars for the 5-year period ending September 30, 2005 out of 199
       funds.  Star ratings are based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return
       measure that accounts for variation in a fund's monthly performance
       (including the effects of sales charges and redemption fees), placing
       more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent
       performance. The overall rating is a weighted average of the 3-, 5- and
       10-year (if applicable) returns. 5 stars = top 10% of funds in an asset
       category; 4 stars = next 22.5% of funds; 3 stars = next 35%. A fund
       must be in existence three years to be rated. Ratings are subject to
       change monthly.

    *** Prospective purchasers should consider the investment objectives,
        risks and charges and expenses of the North Track Funds carefully
        before investing and review the North Track Funds' prospectus, which
        contains this and other important information about the company. A
        prospectus may be obtained from your investment consultant, or by
        calling North Track Funds at 1-800-826-4600. The prospectus should be
        read carefully before investing. Investments in a single industry may
        be subject to greater market risk and price volatility than
        investments with more broadly diversified holdings.

        The Morningstar rating quoted for the ArcaEx Tech 100 Index Fund
        reflects past performance of the Fund.  Past performance does not
        guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will
        fluctuate and an investor's shares may be worth more or less than
        their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than
        the performance data shown. For performance data on the ArcaEx Tech
        100 Index Fund current to the most recent month-end, call 1-888-832-
        3863, or visit www.ntfunds.com .  In the past,
        ZCM waived a portion of the advisory fees for the North Track ArcaEx
        Tech 100 Index Fund. Without such reimbursement, total returns would
        have been less and may have impacted the Fund's star rating.  The
        Class A shares of the ArcaEx Tech 100 Index Fund are subject to a
        maximum sales charge of 5.25% (as a percentage of the offering price);
        Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
        5.00% (as a percentage of original purchase price or redemption
        proceeds, whichever is less); and Class C shares are subject to a
        contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% % (as a percentage of
        original purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is less).

SOURCE The Archipelago Exchange

Margaret Nagle, ArcaEx, +1-312-442-7083; Linda Matza, BC Ziegler, +1-414-978-6544