The value of shares and primary capital certificates traded was higher than in the previous quarter at NOK 454 (272) billion. The number of transactions in the equity market in the fourth quarter totalled 1,716,069 (970,076), representing an increase of some 77% from the same quarter in 2004.
At the end of the fourth quarter, 837 (861) bond loans and other interest bearing securities were listed on the stock exchange. In addition, 30 (0) bond loans were listed on the Alternative Bond Market (ABM). The derivatives markets saw a very good level of activity in the fourth quarter. 1,903,849 contracts were traded in the quarter, as compared to 1,328,246 in the same period of 2004. The average premium for options contracts for the year as a whole was NOK 7.3 (6.5).
The number of end-users with access to market data from Oslo Børs was around 4% higher at the end of the fourth quarter than at the end of the previous quarter, and around 15% higher than at the same time last year.
Revenues totalled NOK 104.5 (70.4) million in the fourth quarter. Revenues for the full year 2005 totalled NOK 361.4 (268.7) million. The increase in revenues came mainly from equity trading and new listings. Revenues from sales of market data were 3% higher than in the third quarter and 10% higher than in the same period of 2004.
Fourth quarter operating costs before depreciation amounted to NOK 49.6 (39.3) million. Operating costs before depreciation for the year as a whole totalled NOK 157.4 (146.1) million.
The Board of Directors intends to propose to the general meeting that a dividend of NOK 26 per share should be distributed. The proposal will be considered by the annual general meeting that is due to be held on 8 May 2006.
Oslo Børs expects that its total operating costs for 2006 will be in the order of NOK 190 million. In 2006, Oslo Børs intends to commit more resources to sales, marketing and product development than was the case in 2005.
Click here to view the report for the 4th quarter 2005.
