The volume of shares traded on the Irish Stock Exchange increased by 10 per cent last year, figures released today show.
Trading in equities on the ISEQ was up 10 per cent on 2002 to €77.5 billion - with an average daily turnover of €306 million.
The overall performance was one of the best in Europe with the index value of shares jumping 23 per cent, ending the year at 4921.
The ISE end of year review also shows €749 million raised in new share issues and investment fund listings grew by 12 per cent.
ISE chief executive, Mr Tom Healy, welcomed the figures and the return of investors to the market.
"There is a strong possibility that, after three years of companies leaving the Irish market, we will see renewed interest in new issues in 2004.
"There are indications that private companies, their corporate financiers and investment bankers are increasingly adopting the view that equity markets internationally now offer far better value," Mr Healy said.
The biggest individual price-gains were Anglo Irish Bank Corporation, which rose €3.24 (35 per cent) in the last quarter, followed by FBD Holdings - up €3.00 (28 per cent). Other significant increases included Icon - up €1.75 (6 per cent), Iona Technologies - up €1.65 (62 per cent) and Irish Life and Permanent - up €1.53 (14 per cent).
The exchange's new website was also officially launched today.