Capital Markets

Following four difficult years, 2012 looks set to be a turning point for the stock exchange as institutions and investors ready themselves for a stronger climate of investment and growth. In 2011, Jordan’s capital markets continued to suffer from wider regional and domestic events as investors’ fears were stoked by low economic growth, a tightening of fiscal spending and high interest rates. More positively, the year witnessed an increase in the share of foreign investment, from 49.6% in 2010 to 51.3% in 2011. There is a sense that many of the blue chip stocks with solid results remain undervalued, indicating prices are being affected by low investor confidence rather than fundamental concerns. Exchange regulators, for their part, are looking to encourage the specialisation of investment products and create a more sophisticated investment environment. This chapter includes an interview with Samir Jaradat, CEO of the Securities Depository Centre; and Adel Kasaji, CEO of AB Invest.