SADC stock exchanges work together towards links, shared skills and better visibility
The ten stock exchanges of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are working together to increase the effectiveness of their markets. The Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (CoSSE) has agreed to concentrate on six priority areas in support of regional moves to more efficient capital markets.
JSE stock exchange unveils new Africa strategy
This morning South Africa’s securities exchange, the JSE Ltd, announced a revised strategy to attract more listings from other African countries, as international interest soars. The JSE is closing its Africa Board and moving the 2 listed companies onto the Main Board or to Alt-X if they are growth companies. The JSE is also stepping up trading in depository receipts (DRs) and offering a broader range of exchange-traded funds and debt instruments.
FTSE Group working on Pan-Africa index with African Securities Exchanges Association
FTSE has launched a FTSE-ASEA index with the African Securities Exchanges Association, which will help to unlock Africa an investment for larger portfolio investors. The index covers stocks on 16 exchanges and is adjusted for investibility, including free float and liquidity.
Is lack of liquidity driving African issuers to list on London Stock Exchange and others?
Reuters newsagency has put together stories on issuers’ and investors’ difficulties with African stock markets. These include lack of liquidity and sinking currencies. It notes that African companies are increasingly dual listing on international stock exchanges.
JSE boosts net profit by 22% for first half
South Africa’s JSE Ltd reported a 22% increase in net profit after tax to R253.8 million for the 6 months to June, driven by a 7% increase in revenue combined with controlled operating costs. The bourse declared a special dividend of 210c/share.
South Africa’s Financial Markets Bill open for comment, due 2012
South Africa’s Government has released the Financial Markets Bill for public comment, with comments due by 5 September. The new law would replace the Securities Services Act.
JSE sets new trading record – 230,797 trades on 10 August
South Africa’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange says that a record number of trades were executed on the exchange today (10 August). The new record is 230,797 trades, valued at more than $4 billion.
JSE Africa Board launches advisory committee to boost appeal
The JSE securities exchange has appointed an advisory committee to boost its JSE Africa Board to achieve its mission and attracet dual listings to a world-class stock exchange platform and help attract capital.
Foreign funds and SA bonds and equities
Flows into South African bonds turned positive in the last few days, although money is still being moved out of equities. For much of 2011 (year to date) investors had followed the global trend of less appetite for emerging markets and there have been outflows from South African bonds and equities after 2010 saw record inflows.
Alternative investor Brait to raise R6 bn and looks to long-term
South Africa’s largest private equity company is transforming itself into a long-term investment holding company and aims to raise ZAR 6 billion ($857.7 million), according to a report on Bloomberg. Brait SA, listed on the JSE Ltd, will use the funds to purchase a long-term stake of 24.6% of Pepkor Ltd, South Africa’s biggest clothes retailer, and 49.9% of Premier Foods.
London and Johannesburg stock exchanges migrate to Millennium Exchange system
The main trading platform of the London Stock Exchange was successfully switched from the previous system yesterday (14 Feb) to the Millennium Exchange computer system. Africa’s biggest exchange, the JSE Ltd announced on 3 Feb that it had concluded a licensing agreement with MillenniumIT to move its equity market trading activity onto Millennium Exchange, planned for the first half of 2012. Millennium IT’s systems are widely installed in African stock exchanges.
JSE reports 12% jump in commodity derivatives trades in 2010
South Africa’s JSE Ltd traded 2.1 million commodity derivative contracts in 2010, up 12% on the previous year but still below the record 2.5 mn contracts traded in 2008. White maize accounted for 46% of all grains traded on the JSE, wheat accounted for 27% and yellow maize 16%.