/ 17 November 1999

JSE PUTS ITSELF UNDER REVIEW

THE Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Friday announced the launch of a wide-ranging review of its market structure and trading methods to secure its position in the face of mounting global competition. The JSE said that the review will look at the whole spectrum of the market, from trading hours and methods to a host of technical issues. The JSE is looking at how best to trade in illiquid securities, which it currently does in an automated order-driven way, the same as in other shares. The review will also consider the impact of the Internet on the formal equity market as well as alliances with regional exchanges, international cooperation and settlement technology.