JSE Welcomes back JSE WEEK

The JSE will be hosting the second annual JSE Week on the 10th to the 12th of March this year. The aim of this public exhibition is to attract first time investors to the JSE as well as those looking to learn more about how a stock exchange works.

Investors will be able to attend informative and objective workshops on the basics of investing with topics dealing with the basics of shares, derivatives and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) .They will also have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with number of exhibitors from the stock- broking and banking community. Admission is free of charge.
 
“Many South Africans believe that the stock exchange is too complicated or expensive for the average person. The aim of this three day event is to banish this perception and to showcase the various products that don’t require a large investment from investors,” comments Noah Greenhill, General Manager of Marketing and Business Development at the JSE “For example, few people realise that they can invest in top companies on the JSE for as little as R300 per month through an ETF.”

While the current financial turmoil on world markets may scare off potential investors, those who enter the market at this time could stand to benefit in the long term when the market turns. “There is still inherent value to be found in many listed companies, for those who take a long term view on investing this may be the ideal time to purchase shares at incredibly good value,” comments Greenhill.

In South Africa, approximately 200 000 people invest on the stock exchange – a stark comparison to Australia where almost half of all trades are done by the country’s 5, 7 million individual investors. “Investing in the JSE is another form of saving and allows listed companies to grow. As these companies grow, they employ more people which lead to further growth in our economy and more demand for goods and services. It is a virtuous circle, ” says Greenhill “A healthy investment environment in a county is a key ingredient to a healthy economy.”

“The JSE recognises it has a role to play in promoting financial literacy and educating our market. We have been involved with many initiatives aimed at brokers and existing investors for a number of years. This is simply not enough – we still need to communicate more with the average South African about investing. The JSE Week is just one of the ways we intend to do this.”