The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) has recorded a 200 per cent increase in new investors in the first five months of this year.
The SPX attributed this positive result to the expanded investor education and awareness outreach this year, having reached more people across villages, schools and institutions as part of its ‘Invest for Tomorrow’ campaign.
SPX chief executive officer Sheraj Obeyesekere said this was an encouraging sign that more Fijians were taking the first steps toward building long-term wealth through the stock market.
So far this year, the SPX had conducted more than 80 community visits and engagements across the country – targeting schools, villages, and both private and government institutions and other segments of the public.
It also participated in national expos and regional roadshows, positioning the stock market as a credible investment and savings option alongside other financial products.
“Trading activity also reflects this shift. When excluding large negotiated block deals which are typically driven by institutional investors, there has been a 20 per cent increase in the value of all other trades compared to the same five-month period in 2024,” Mr Obeysekere said.
“This points to a meaningful rise in individual investor participation, suggesting that individual investors are becoming more active and engaged in the market.
“We’ve been deliberate in taking the message of the stock market to the grassroots, not just because it’s good for the market, but because the public deserves to know that they too, can invest and own a share in 20 Fijian companies, an investment offering the potential for attractive returns.”
He said a well-functioning stock market depended on active participation from everyday Fijians. He said their awareness efforts reflected their commitment to raising awareness about share investment opportunities that aimed to reshape how Fijians viewed investment.
Each outreach sessions are attended by the SPX investor education and awareness teams, and representatives from licensed stockbroker firms who play a crucial role in explaining the investment process.
“These efforts aim to break down misconceptions and make stock market investing accessible and understandable to all Fijians.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 14, 2025
