Iran Fara Bourse posted 201% increase in trade in the first eight months of the current Iranian fiscal year (March 22-November. 22).
The IFB website said about 648.9 billion shares were traded at the junior stock exchange worth 62,168 trillion rials ($176.8 billion) in the eight months -- annual growth of 201% and 64% in value and volume, respectively.
IFB's all-share index, IFX, jumped 0.7% during the period to end the eighth month at 18,510.
More than 122.3 billion securities worth 701.3 trillion rials ($1.98 b) were traded in IFB's First Market in the period, up 2% in volume but down 14% in value.
Over 123.05 billion securities worth 592 trillion rials ($1.67b) changed hands in the Second Market, registering 6% and 35% drop in volume and value, respectively.
ETFs
Trade via exchange-traded funds reached 1,600 trillion rials ($4.53 billion) in the period -- 128% higher on the same time last year, indicating the improving 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 less broker commissions than individual stocks.
Monthly Data
Figures on the performance of this market in the fiscal month to Nov. 22 show that IFX lost 3.1% to close at 18,397. IFX had the highest rise on August 23 adding 152 points in one day.
During the month under the review, more than 105.4 billion securities valued at 8,969 trillion rials ($25.4b) were traded, up 109% in value and 160% in value.
More than 16.4 billion securities worth 80 trillion rials ($226.6 million) were traded in IFB's First Market, registering 20% increase in volume but down 12% in value.
Over 18.1 billion securities valued at 56.7 trillion rials ($160.6m) changed hands in the Second Market, marking a 96% growth in value but down 42% in trade volume.
ETF units worth 341.5 trillion rials ($967m) changed hands in the previous calendar month to Nov. 22 – up 282% from the same month last year.
