9 Short-Term Financing
On June 19, 1998, the Company entered into an unsecured $30.0 million loan agreement with an affiliate of one of its clearing brokers. Such loan paid interest monthly based on the London Interbank Offered Rate and was to mature on June 19, 1999. The loan agreement allowed for scheduled principal pre-payments without penalty. During 1998, the Company made principal pre-payments under the loan of $20.0 million. On January 19, 1999, the Company repaid the final $10.0 million. Interest expense incurred on such loan for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 amounted to $39,734 and $946,752, respectively.