Capital Markets

After the rough and tumble of the last few years, Jordan’s capital markets are now at a potential turning point. Although the Amman Stock Exchange saw four de-listings in 2012, it is still one of the most populous exchanges in the MENA region, with 243 companies listed. The three-tier market structure has been welcomed by investors for providing clarity on the status of companies. New regulations, including daily limits established on stock price volatility and different trading hours for the third tier of the exchange, are designed to increase stability and investor confidence. Further to this, a US offer to back Jordanian bond issues may help lower the kingdom’s borrowing costs, further boosting confidence in the country’s securities and aiding in reducing the budget deficit. This chapter contains interviews with Adel Kasaji, CEO, AB Invest; and Nader Azar, Acting CEO, Amman Stock Exchange.