Stock exchange's turnover up 50%

Turnover on the Irish Stock Exchange last year increased by 50% to almost €109bn, taking the ISEQ index to an all-time high, it was revealed today.

The ISEQ rose by 19% in 2005, hitting a record high in December, but that total has since been topped in the first weeks of 2006.

The review of the year showed turnover grew to 108.8bn euro in 2005, with more than 790,000 deals done.

Four new companies were admitted to trading last year on the new Irish Enterprise Exchange helping its value to grow by 58% to €850m since it launched in April.

Tom Healy, ISE chief executive, said it was an outstanding performance.

“This is another outstanding performance by the Irish market and the figures show clearly that the Irish Stock Exchange is the premier location for investors who wish to trade in Irish equities,” he said.

“The past year has seen the Exchange innovate with the introduction of new markets, products and services, as well as consolidating its position as the global leader for the listing of investment funds and the leader in Europe for debt securities.

"We look forward to further growth in 2006 in all sectors of our business.”