At the close of trade, ASX Managing Director and CEO Mr Richard Humphrey said that all ASX markets and systems had performed to expectation, despite the extraordinary and tragic circumstances. More than 83,000 equities trades (valued at more than $1.5 billion) took place, as well as significant activity among the option contract and warrants markets.
"The decision was not an easy one, and it was not taken lightly. However, we believed early this morning it was the right decision and the day's events have borne this out", Mr Humphrey said.
"The ASX decision followed extensive consultation with stock exchanges around the region and with all sectors involved in the Australian markets. This included canvassing opinion across the listed companies, the institutional investing community, stockbrokers and financial institutions - all of whom play significant roles in the Australian capital markets.
"Support for our decision was overwhelming, and across the industry, although understandably there were different points of view in the early hours as the events unfolded.
"I was very pleased with the way the Australian market responded. The Australian market demonstrated one of the lowest levels of volatility around the world. I would particularly like to thank all relevant listed companies for ensuring that the market remained appropriately informed at all times.
"To assist the orderly commencement of trading, the roll-out of companies was staggered over 20 minutes, instead of the usual 10 minutes. Also, trading in selected derivatives that relied on American underlying instruments (Nasdaq and NYSE products) was suspended.
"I remained in close consultation with the Chairman of Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and would like to express my thanks to Mr David Knott for his support and assistance. The Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello MP was also kept informed of market progress during the day".
