BRIEFS. business

Securities commission sees 81 percent rise in ‘08

The National Securities Commission processed some 30 bond and stock issues in 2008 that totaled $2.7 billion, an 81 percent increase from 2007.

The agency handled eleven bond issues that totaled $589.5 million.

According to economists, this increase in activity is an indication that companies are increasingly looking at opportunities for raising funds in the stock market, and many believe that the trend could continue this year given the stricter rules for granting loans that some banks have adopted.

Commission Chairman Juan Martans acknowledged that 2008 was a difficult year for international markets, and praised the fact that the local system has not been directly affected by this crisis.

But the commissioner warned that it is increasingly important to regulate markets to give security to investors.

“We are lucky to have a very basic system, and we do not get into complex products,” Martans said. “However, we must closely watch the behavior of international markets, and consider their possible impact on other sectors of the Panamanian economy, such as tourism and exports.”

Además en Herald

• Prisons fail their inmates
• Murcia faces more charges
• Ministry to focus on hanta virus
• 11 of 14 ministries involved in corruption cases
• Martinelli names UP member as running mate
• Securities commission sees 81 percent rise in ‘08
• Punta Galeta: From spy den to research center
• Panama lags in web access
• Priest removed from Atalaya