The Romanian stock exchange capitalization for 2006, lying at USD 32.78 bln, was much lower than that of other states in the region such as Poland, where it reached USD 149 bln, considering that the number of Romanian listed companies is the highest in the area, informs Mediafax.

According to a World Bank study, at the end of last year, Romania had 2,478 listed companies, while Poland numbered only 267. Capitalization in Romania was also lower than that in Hungary or the Czech Republic, with USD 41.93 bln and 48.6 bln respectively.

The number of listed companies in these countries was 41 and 29 respectively, as shown in the annual report of the international financial institution regarding global development indices.

In terms of GDP quota, Romanian capitalization was situated at 20.9 per cent in 2005, against 2.9 per cent in 2000. In Poland, capitalization had an 18.3 per cent quota, while in Hungary 29.8 per cent. A lower percentage, 4.9 per cent out of GDP, was recorded in Bulgaria. Last year, the latter’s capitalization reached USD 19.32, the total value of the 347 listed companies.

Romania recorded low values in market liquidity, compared to other countries in the region. Thus, in 2005, liquidity was at 3.4 per cent out of GDP, while Poland reached 9.9 per cent and Hungary 21.9 per cent.

At world level, the highest increase in capitalization was recorded in the USA, nearly USD 17,000 bln, with 5,143 listed companies. The USA were followed by Japan – USD 4,736.5 bln and 3,279 listed companies and Great Britain – USD 3,058.18 bln and 2,759 companies.

The global stock exchange capitalization at world level reached USD 43,642 bln last year, a value corresponding to 49,946 listed companies.