In an automated exchange system, a separate virtual instrument is used in the matching process of the system. The virtual instrument guarantees that both a derivative instrument and its underlying instrument are traded together. The underlying instrument, i.e. the instrument in which derivative instruments are traded, is then preferably displayed together with the virtual instruments. The underlying instrument is presented with a price. The matching of the virtual instrument can take place in a matching module of the automated exchange system. After a trade in a virtual instrument is matched in the matching process of the system, the match is reported to a subsequent deal capture module where the corresponding different trades or deals of the virtual instrument are formed. The trades or deals formed in the deal capture module do not need to be matched because the number of instruments and the price can be deduced from the information relating to the virtual instrument.