Tallinn Stock Exchange is ten years old

31.05.2006 TLN

Tallinn Stock Exchange started its activities on 31 May 1996 and trading in 11 securities listed on the exchange began on 3 June. Over the ten years’ history of Tallinn Stock Exchange, the exchange index has grown to 615 points.

Over the last ten years, Tallinn Stock Exchange has risen and fallen, while the merger wave that is occurring globally and in the Baltic Sea region has helped the Baltic stock exchanges be an attractive and growing market in the long run. Membership in the large Nordic stock exchange group OMX provides a greater playground and opportunities for local companies, market participants and investors. According to the market participants, Tallinn has become the Baltic investment centre by today. “Now it is up to us whether we keep this position, let it go or expand the borders of the centre to the Baltic sea countries, Eastern Europe and elsewhere,” said Kaidi Oone, CEO of Tallinn Stock Exchange.

“The Estonian securities market and its participants are strong. Though a lot of work has been done, the last weeks show that a lot needs still to be done. That is work with companies in implementing good corporate governance practices and work with investors in choosing securities and risks,” added Oone.

The safeguarding of future and investing in the securities market is becoming increasingly popular. More courage is demonstrated in implementing one’s ideas in order to grow oneself and the state. Reliability of the state also increases through free movement of capital, wise investors and transparency of companies. Tallinn Stock Exchange must help the market and its reliability continue to grow.

Facts about the history:

• Ten years ago, on the first trading day, the securities listed on the stock exchange were: Estonian Savings Bank share, Hansapank share, Compensation Fund bond I–VI, Sampo Bank share, SEB Eesti Ühispank share, Tallinn Bank share. 
• On 17 June 1996, Tallinn Stock Exchange went along with the fall on the global securities markets, TALSE index dropped to the lowest level in its history — 84.24 points. 
• In summer 2001, Tallinn Stock Exchange joined Helsinki Stock Exchange, the HEX trademark was introduced to Estonia. 
• On 25 February 2002, HEX trading environment was launched. The group uniting Tallinn Stock Exchange and the Estonian Central Register of Securities was named HEX Tallinn. 
• HEX Group, parent company of HEX Tallinn, announced on 10 May 2003 its plans to merge with the Swedish stock exchange operator OM. 
• On 7 April 2004 the stock exchanges of Tallinn, Helsinki and Riga became members of NOREX, alliance between the Nordic and Baltic exchanges. 
• In July 2004, the Baltic list was extended to all the shares in the main lists of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian stock exchanges. 
• In September 2004, OMHEX Group adopted the new trademark OMX. 
• On 27 September 2004, the stock exchanges of Tallinn, Riga and Helsinki adopted the new trading system SAXESS. The Nordic and Baltic trading platform is now used on the exchanges of seven countries. 
• On 4 October 2005, the Tallinn Stock Exchange index OMX reached the highest level in its history — 700.74 points. 
• Currently the oldest companies listed on the stock exchange are Kalev (from 12.08.1996), Saku (from 12.08.1996), Norma (from 12.08.1996) and Tallinn Department Store (from 6.09.1996). 
• General statistical numbers throughout the history (Historical schedule of Talse / OMX Tallinn; Listed companies throughout the history)