The value of shares and primary capital certificates traded in the first quarter was NOK 642 billion (341), the highest ever level of trading for a quarter. The number of transactions in the equity market in the first quarter totalled 2,182,157 (1,087,601), more than double the number seen in the first quarter of 2005. Shares worth about NOK 23.8 (4.2) billion were issued in the first quarter.
At the end of the first quarter, 853 (857) bond loans and other interest bearing securities were listed on the stock exchange. In addition, 63 bond loans were listed on the Alternative Bond Market (ABM).
Trading activity in the derivatives market increased throughout the first quarter. The number of contracts traded was some 60% higher than in the first quarter of 2005 (2,188,727 as compared to 1,370,109). The level of activity was very high from time to time. The average premium for options contracts for the year to date is NOK 9.5 (4.7).
The number of end-users with access to market data from Oslo Børs was around 12% higher at the end of the first quarter than at the end of the previous quarter, and around 24% higher than at the same time last year.
Revenues totalled NOK 117.2 (79.0) million in the first quarter, an increase of NOK 38.2 million. Revenue from equity trading was NOK 22.5 million higher than in the same period last year. First quarter operating costs amounted to NOK 48.9 (42.0) million, an increase of NOK 6.9 million.
As decided in 2005, Oslo Børs introduced extended trading hours with effect from 2 January 2006. Following this change, trading hours are now from 09.00 to 16.30. Oslo Børs believes that the move to longer trading hours has been very successful.
Oslo Børs’ revenues for 2006 will vary in line with activity levels. Oslo Børs expects that its total operating costs for 2006 will be in the order of NOK 195 million.
Report for 1st quarter 2006
The presentation of the result for 1st quarter 2006
