Exchange marks 10th anniversary

Turnover in the Irish equity market has increased tenfold in the 10 years since the Dublin exchange separated from London.

Turnover so far this year is in excess of €100 billion while market capitalisation has increased to €90 billion from €20 billion 10 years ago. The ISEQ overall index is now more than three times its 1995 level.

In a statement to mark the 10th year of independence for the exchange, chief executive Tom Healy said it had never been in better shape and that further growth was anticipated in the years ahead.

"It is significant that even though most of the larger Irish companies have dual listings in Dublin and London, the majority of trading in Irish shares still takes place in Dublin," Mr Healy said.

"Ten years ago when the Irish Stock Exchange separated from the London Stock Exchange, after over 20 years as a merged business, this was a major milestone for the exchange, and there is no doubt that the Irish market has thrived under its independent structure, and that we are well placed to further develop our business in the years ahead.

"There were some who felt that there was a limited prospect in the modern global securities industry for a relatively small stock exchange like Dublin, but I believe that we have proved this view wrong."

Mr Healy said the exchange was working hard to grow the number of companies listing on the Irish market.

He said the exchange was the leading centre in the world for the listing of investment funds, and the top European centre for listing bonds and asset-backed securities.