Malaysia- an upbeat, opulent and jovial nation that offers an interesting ensemble of various customs and cultures from Chinese to Indian and Malay is a compact and flourishing economy. As per the 2005 census, Malaysia is the 34th largest economy in the whole world as per the purchasing power index. This erstwhile British colony has evolved to become one of the formidable economic forces in Asia. The mainstay of this industrialized nation is exports and tourism.   

The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) was set up in 1976 as a limited company that took over the operations and assets of The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad (KLSEB) in the same year. Securities business in Malaysia traces its roots to 1930 when Singapore Stockbrokers’ Association was founded. After a few years in 1937 it was re-registered in the name of Malayan Stockbrokers’ Association. Later in 1960 the Malayan Stock Exchange took shape to cater to the public trading of shares. At that time there was only a single market for both the shares of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, which were listed as a single entity  The Stock Exchange of Malaysia was founded in 1964; however when Singapore ceased to be a part of Malaysia it was renamed as Stock Exchange of Malaysia and Singapore. Later on when the currency interchangeability stopped between
Malaysia and Singapore, it was bifurcated into The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad and Singapore Stock Exchange. The former was converted into a public limited company by demutualization in 2004, which took the name Bursa Malaysia. It is comprised of a main and secondary board with a total market capitalization is around US$189 billion. 

The KLSE plays an important role in driving the economy of Malaysia and harnessing funds through public shares. Malaysia has recorded a strong industrial growth and its exports to United States made huge strides, which resulted in faster economic growth. The currency of Ringgit registered appreciation and the surplus foreign reserves shoved the KLSE to over 1200 points. Going by the indications it could be said that the day is not far way when Malaysia regains its past opulence and economic buoyancy. In 2007 Ringgit hit an all time high at 3.39 against the American dollar and Malaysia has managed to sustain its tempo of all round development.

Nigeria- the land of pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls and ebony colored beauties is located at the western coast of
Africa. The economy of this nation is powered by many industries with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) playing a pivotal role in garnering funds. NSE was set up in 1960 and today it boasts of over 283 listed companies with a gross market capitalisation of about N8.2 trillion. The only index used is the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Shares Index.

Nigeria is a huge nation with big aspirations and a progressive out look. The emergence of the private sector has given a vital fillip to develop the financial capability and buoyancy to build up a market-driven economic system and competence to vie for global business contracts. It could steadily decrease its dependence on foreign investments during this phase.

Many economic decisions set off by President Obasanjo, has started to stir up an upward surge in the Nigerian stock market. The nation’s first multinational company Transcorp started its operations with a primary share capital of 56 billion naira and is hoping to harness more funds from the Nigerian Capital Market by way of an initial public offering listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. To attract foreign investments, the Nigerian government has scrapped the legislation that hindered the foreign capital fund flow to
Nigeria. This in turn allowed the foreign share brokers to get enlisted in the Nigerian stock exchange as dealers.
Nigeria also welcomes investment from people of any nationality without any hurdles. Nigerian business organizations can also employ cross border listings or multiple listings in foreign markets.

Last year, The Exchange witnessed a record turnover with an impressive growth of a staggering 104.9%- considered by far the highest annual turnover ever since its inception. Trading activities also recorded an all time high both in the Primary and Secondary market. The ripples created in the stock market have launched Nigeria into the global economic platform by triggering off a spate of economic activities. The innovative and path breaking strategies are sure to bring in more positive results in the days to come.

The stock market has started showing an impressive growth and tremendous trading activities with many blue chip companies like Cadbury Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Breweries and Unilever Nigeria among others making impressive returns.

Malaysia is an upbeat and cheerful nation in Southeast Asia, which is a melting pot of diverse cultures of Malay, indigenous cultures, Chinese and Indian culture. It is a bustling cosmopolitan country making huge strides in industrialization and is hoping to make it big in the next few years. The world’s second tallest free standing towers of Petronas Twin Towers standing elegantly at  a staggering height of 452 meters is undeniably the celebrity icon of Malaysia.  

Malaysia Exchange was formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange that was set up way back in 1930; after seven years it became the Malayan Stockbrokers’ Association; however no trading of public shares was handled till 1960 when the Malayan Stock Exchange was founded. With one trading room each in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur they functioned as a single market with the same sharing listing at both the boards. 

It was only in 1964 that the Stock Exchange of Malaysia was officially founded. With the separation of Singapore from Malaysia and the currency interchangeability between
Malaysia and Singapore ceased, Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange was demutualised and converted into a public limited company by shares in 2007 to form Bursa Malaysia. It has a main and a secondary board and its gross market capitalization was MYR700 billion (US$189 billion).  

In 2005 Malaysia Exchange or Bursa Malaysia became an independent exchange. Though its main index is Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) other index series are also used in trading. Bigger companies are typically listed on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Main Board, while medium companies on the Second Board, and the growing companies on the MESDAQ market. The latest figures put the index at the 1000 figure mark that is expected to surge further this year. As on June 2007, the market capitalization stands at US$307 billion. Its market operations fall under the main sections of Securities Exchange, Derivatives Exchange, and Offshore Exchange. 

Stock market Malaysia deals in equities to promote investment opportunities in as many as 15 various sectors; futures and options contracts in international trading; listing of various financial instruments in American dollars by Labuan International Financial Exchange;  and Islamic Capital Market to ensure interest free ‘halal’ investment options to the populace. In addition it also offers an array of informative products and market analysis reports for the benefit of the public.