The Irish Stock Exchange's review of last year says the ISEQ index outperformed many of its more illustrious counterparts during the year.
Chief executive Tom Healy says the 26% increase in the ISEQ was better than global indices such as the FTSE 100, Eurostoxx 50 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The ISEQ's increase was helped by the dramatic recovery in Elan shares. The Dublin equity market's overall capitalisation rose by €28.5m, or by 29% to €82 billion.
Speaking to RTE radio this morning, Mr Healy said it was good to see companies going public again. During the year, Eircom and C&C floated on the ISEQ and he said he expected to see at least 'a couple' of new firms joining the index in 2005.
The ISE said its position as world leader in the listing of international investment funds was secured last year with a total of over 4,000 funds and sub-funds listing by the end of the year. This represents an increase of over 18% in listings.
Mr Healy admitted that Dublin's junior market was not as successful as London's Alternative Investment Market, but said the ISE had plans to remodel its market structure with the introduction of something similar to the AIM.
