The following information is part of the consolidated financial statements as of 31 December 2003, which were audited and issued with an unqualified certificate by KPMG Deutsche Treuhand AG, Wirtschaftprüfungsgesellschaft.

Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an entity's functional currency are translated into its functional currency using the period-end exchange rates, and the resulting transaction gains and losses are reported in trading revenues . Foreign currency revenues, expenses, gains, and losses are recorded at the exchange rate at the dates recognized.

Gains and losses resulting from translating the financial statements of net investments in foreign operations into the reporting currency of the parent entity are reported, net of any hedge and tax effects, in accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders´ equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted-average rate during the year whereas assets and liabilities are translated at the period end rate.