- Equity trading volumes up by 20% in Q3 2015 yoy; steady monthly growth points to sustainable trend
- 40% gain in 2015 YTD – roughly 6 million orders on the Vienna SE
- Increase of 7.61 % (incl. dividends +9.62%) makes ATX one of top indices in Europe in 2015
- International trading members accounted for 80% of volumes
- Market capitalisation is EUR 81.78 billion
(Vienna) Management Board member Birgit Kuras explains why there was no summer slump at Vienna Stock Exchange: "Despite the insecurity over Greece at the start of the summer and the influence of China on global markets, Vienna is one of the few stock exchanges still posting gains after the phase of turbulence. Moreover, global players like Kapsch, AT&S and Wienerberger are celebrating a comeback in performance. The price trends are currently being bolstered by the economic upswing in our Eastern neighboring countries. Regarding equity trading volumes we see a considerable and sustainable increase."
Despite the traditional sluggishness in summer months, trading volumes in equities rose steeply in Q3 2015 by 19.1%, climbing from EUR 11.41 billion (Q3 2014) to EUR 13.59 billion (Q3 2105). The lively trading activity was also reflected in the number of orders on the stock exchange. The number of exchange orders rose by 43.5% (Q3 2014: 1.44 mill.; Q3 2015: 2.07 mill.). From January to September 2015, trading volumes in equities amounted to EUR 44.19 billion, which is EUR 8.11 billion (+22.5%) more than in the same period of the previous year (Jan. to Sep. 2015: EUR 36.08 billion). The average monthly trading volume is EUR 4.91 billion (2014: EUR 4.01 billion). The growth trend in trading volumes for equities is stable and sustainable: from February to September, the Vienna Stock Exchange reported a gain in trading volumes every month versus the previous year. Over 6 million equity orders were executed from January to September, 40% more than in the same period of the previous year.
Several companies listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange achieved historic milestones in the third quarter. Two companies, Linz Textil and Semperit, celebrated their 125th anniversary on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Lenzing has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange for 30 years, and ATB Austria Antriebstechnik for 25 years. In October, voestalpine follows with its 20th anniversary on the stock exchange after their successful privatisation.
International trading members accounted for 80% of trading volumes
The trading member with the highest trading volumes on the Vienna Stock Exchange in the third quarter 2015 was Morgan Stanley & Co with EUR 1.12 billion (8.3% share in trading), ahead of Deutsche Bank (EUR 1.11 billion; 8.16% share in trading volume) and Spire Europe Ltd. (EUR 1.01 billion; 7.74% share in trading volume). Places 4 and 5 were taken by Societe Generale (EUR 1.00 billion; 7.34%) and Hudson River Trading (EUR 0.99 billion; 7.27%). In total, there are currently 72 trading members from ten countries on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Over 80% of trading volumes in Austrian stocks are attributable to international trading members.
"These figures are impressive evidence of the strong internationality of the Vienna Stock Exchange. Our global market leaders and hidden champions receive a lot of attention from international investors. In what regards foreign institutional investors, the US, Great Britain and Norway have the highest rankings. We support this by regularly organising international road shows in global financial centers as a service for our companies," said Michael Buhl, member of the Management Board.
The leading index, ATX, attained top position in Europe despite drops in Q3
In the course of the year, Austria’s leading index, the ATX, rose by 7.61% (9.62% incl. dividends) year-to-date and stood at 2,324.57 points on 6 October. This places the Austrian leading index in the group of markets that are still posting gains even after the "China shock".
After the all-year low in January (year-low 14 Jan. 2015: 2,122.08 points), a regular rally followed in the first half of 2015. This trend was supported by the easing in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the low price of oil and the depreciation of the euro. The upwards trend of the ATX peaked in mid-May (year-high: 15 May 2015: 2,681.44 points). The discussion over the insolvency of Greece caused a trend reversal around the end of the first half-year. The plunge on the stock markets of China added to the insecurity on global stock markets in August and pushed the ATX further downwards.
At a gain of 84.34% Cross Industries was the winner year-to-date 2015 on the prime market, followed by Kapsch Trafficcom with 76.17% and AT&S with 55.50%. Fourth and fifth place are taken by the brick manufacturer Wienerberger (+40.02%) and the ATX heavyweight Erste Group Bank (+ 35.01%). The market capitalisation of all listed companies on the Vienna Stock Exchange was EUR 81.78 billion as of 30 September 2015.
About the Vienna Stock Exchange
The Vienna Stock Exchange is a 100% subsidiary of the CEE Stock Exchange Group (CEESEG) which includes the stock exchanges of Budapest, Ljubljana and Prague. The CEE Stock Exchange Group is the largest stock exchange group in the region. In addition to the four stock exchanges, CEESEG operates three commodity exchanges and holds stakes in five clearing systems (CCPs) and two central securities depositories (CSDs). CEESEG makes access and trading on the local markets simpler with the aim of improving liquidity. The CEESEG stock exchanges cooperate with 12 exchanges in Central and Eastern Europe and are globally recognized for their unique CEE know-how.