Iran Fara Bourse recorded substantial growth of 258% in trade during the first half of the current Iranian fiscal year (March 22-Sept. 22).
IFB data, seen on its website, shows about 481,400 shares were traded at the junior stock exchange worth 46,525 trillion rials ($146.8 billion) in the six months -- an annual growth of 258% and 69% in value and volume of trade, respectively.
IFB's all-share index, IFX, jumped 0.1% during the period to end H1 at 18,397.
More than 94.9 billion securities worth 571 trillion rials ($1.8 b) were traded in IFB's First Market in the same period, up 4% in value but down 7% in volume. Over 92.4 billion securities valued at 498 trillion rials ($4.57b) changed hands in the Second Market, registering 6% and 30% drop in volume and value, respectively.
ETFs
Trade via exchange-traded funds listed in Iran Fara Bourse stood at 1,066 trillion rials ($3.36 billion) in the said period. This was 99% higher on the same time last year, implying increasing traction of ETFs in the equities market.
An ETF is a type of pooled investment security. Typically, ETFs track a particular index, sector, commodity, or other asset, but can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange in the same way as a regular stock. The price of ETF units change throughout a trading day as the units are bought and sold.
ETFs include diverse investments, including stocks, commodities and bonds. They usually offer low expense ratios and fewer broker commissions than individual stocks.
Monthly Data
Latest figures on the monthly performance of the market in the fiscal month to Sept. 22, show that IFX lost 3.1% to close at 18,397. IFX had its highest rise on August 23 adding 152 points in one day.
During the month under the review, more than 83.9 billion securities valued at 8,025 trillion rials ($25.3b) were traded, down 23% in volume but 99% growth in value.
More than 13.4 billion securities worth 71.4 trillion rials ($225.3 million) were traded in IFB's First Market, registering 66% and 75% decline in volume and value, respectively.
Over 17.12 billion securities valued at 74.6 trillion rials ($235.4m) changed hands in the Second Market, marking a 56% and 68% growth in traded shares and trade value, respectively.
ETF units worth 228 trillion rials ($719m) changed hands in the previous calendar month to Sept. 22 – up 58% from the same month last year.
