Tel Aviv Stock Exchange

Coordinates: 32°3′52.38″N 34°46′13.11″E / 32.0645500°N 34.7703083°E

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Type Stock exchange
Location Tel Aviv, Israel
Founded1953 (precursor 1935)
Owner15 banks and 12 investment houses
Key peopleRan Malka, Chairman (acting)
Yossi Beinart, Chief Executive Officer
CurrencyNew Israeli Shekel
No. of listings611 companies listing equities,

653 series of corporate bonds,
33 series of government bonds,
416 index-tracking products,

1,231 mutual funds
Market capEquities: US$ 216 billion;
Bonds: US$ 196 billion
Volume546 million US$ daily (2010)
IndexesTA-25 Index, TA-100 Index, TA BlueTech-50 Index
Websitetase.co.il/TASEEng

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE; Hebrew: הבורסה לניירות ערך בתל אביב‎; colloquially known as The Bursa or הבורסה[1]) in Tel Aviv is Israel's only stock exchange.

TASE is the only public market for trading securities in Israel. It plays a major role in the Israeli economy. TASE lists some 622 companies, about 60 of which are also listed on stock exchanges in other countries. TASE also lists some 180 exchange-traded funds (ETFs), 60 government bonds, 500 corporate bonds, and more than 1000 mutual funds.

In 2009, the trading day was set at 9:30 AM–4:30 PM. At a news conference in December 2012, CEO Ester Levanon announced that trading would be extended by an hour to bring working hours closer to those of the European market.[2] Since June 2013, the trading day has been 9:30 AM–4:30 PM on Sundays and 9:30 AM–5:30 PM Monday to Thursday.

History

Yossi Beinart, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer

The precursor to the TASE was the Exchange Bureau for Securities, founded by the Anglo-Palestine Bank (which became Bank Leumi) in 1935. With rapid growth of the Israeli economy after the founding of the state, a formal stock exchange was incorporated and began operations in Tel Aviv in 1953. In 1983 the exchange moved to Ahad Ha'am Street in Tel Aviv, where it remained for over 30 years, until it moved to its current location in 2014.

In 1993 TASE had the third largest number of IPOs of all the world stock exchanges.[3]

In 1999 the exchange completed its turnover to fully computerized trading, with the change orchestrated by Ester Levanon, who came to the exchange in January 1986 after 12 years with the Shin Bet, having set up and run the security agency's computer department after her PhD work at the Technion. She later became CEO of the exchange.[4]

In 2005, non-Israeli investment in TASE reached an all-time high of NIS 2 billion. Average daily share volume reached a record high of NIS 1 billion, double that of 2000 and 50% more than in 2004. The bond market saw a record high of NIS 1.3 billion daily average turnover, 40% more than in 2004. Non-governmental bonds reached a daily average of NIS 220 million. Share issuance volume reached NIS 12.2 billion, around the same level of 2000 and 70% above the level of 2004. The TA-25 increased 34%. By the end of the year foreign investment banks UBS, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC had become members of TASE.[5]

In September 2006, TASE bought out the shares of TASE Clearing House from TASE members, making it a fully owned subsidiary. The TASE Clearing House maintained a NIS 620 million risk fund at the time, as a primary cushion of protection from potential risks, in addition to the NIS 30 million in shareholders equity.[6]

In 2007, 56 new companies raised more than $2.5 billion in initial public offerings on the exchange, among them 20 hi-tech firms. Average daily share trading volume set new records, averaging $500 million a day, a 55% jump over 2006. Bond trading volume increased more than 100% from 2006 levels, to $800 million. Over 2007, the market for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) grew with the addition of 150, bringing the total number of listed ETFs to 240, representing 18% of the trading volume in shares and 10% of the trading volume in non-government bonds. The public's holdings in ETFs reached more than $6 billion. The Tel Bond-20 index was also launced, with the value of index products totalling $900 million.[7] For the four years 2004–07, the TA-25 rose 175% – more than four times the figure for New York's markets for that timeframe.[4]

In May 2008 Northern Trust started the first US exchange-traded fund on the NYSE based on TASE's benchmark, the TA-25 Index.[8]

In 2014, TASE moved to its new premises in Tel Aviv, located at 2 Ahuzat Bayit Street. The modern building covers an area of 22,600 square meters and has 14 floors.

Performance

A broker giving an order to purchase stocks, 1989

Between 2003 and 2006, share prices on the TASE rose sharply. The General Index of shares and convertible securities (which is composed of all shares and convertible securities tradable on the TASE) increased in USD terms by 15.3% in 2006, compared with an increase of 24.3% in 2005 and an increase of 19.5% in the General Index in 2004.

During 2006, the Tel Aviv 100 Index and the Tel Aviv 25 Index increased in USD terms by 22.0% and 22.6% respectively, compared with an increase of 21.1% and 24.7%, respectively, in 2005. The average daily trading for equity securities increased to $326 million during 2006, compared with $223 million in 2005 and $147 million in 2004.

As of May 25, 2010, TASE's largest stocks by market cap were Teva Pharmaceutical Industries ($51.5B), Israel Chemicals ($14.3B), Bank Leumi ($6.1B), and Bezeq ($6.0B). Daily turnover of shares and convertibles in 2009 was USD 432 million, $1,035M of bonds and exchange-traded notes (ETNs), $163M of T-bills, and 252,000 options and futures contracts. Total market cap at the end of 2009 was $189B shares and convertibles, $174B government and corporate bonds, and $23B T-bills, a total of $386B. On April 25, 2010, TASE's benchmark TA-25 index reached a record high of 1,239 points.

For the decade ending 12 February 2012, the TA–25 index topped the Bloomberg Riskless Return Ranking list, outperforming 23 other developed-nation benchmark indexes when adjusting for volatility.[9]

CEO Ester Levanon resigned on 18 July 2013, effective 31 December 2013. A week later, on 25 July 2013, Chairman Saul Bronfeld resigned. According to Bloomberg, the executives’ decisions follow a drop in trading volume and the bourse’s failed bid to join MSCI Inc.’s Europe Index. Bronfeld, who served as chairman since 2006, cited the “hostile control” by the Israel Securities Authority and the regulator’s interference in the executive management of the bourse as the main reasons for his resignation.

The TASE CEO since January 2014 is Mr. Yossi Beinart. He is a Director at the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange clearing house Ltd. board and at the MAOF clearing house Ltd. board. Mr. Amnon Neubach is the Chairman of the TASE Board since April 2014.

International agreements

In February 2007 the TASE and the London Stock Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise existing ties between the two organisations, establish regular meetings between senior executives, and information in order to facilitate orderly trading of the shares of companies admitted to both markets. At the time, 50 Israeli companies were listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market and Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Of these, 36 had joined in the prior two years.[10]

In November 2007 the TASE and The Nasdaq Stock Market signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the relationship between the two markets developing channels of communication between the two markets and working to facilitate stronger trading of company shares admitted on both markets.[11] NASDAQ at the time had 70 Israeli companies listed on the exchange, with a combined global market cap of over US$60 billion.[12][13]

In July 2008 the TASE and NYSE Euronext entered into a memorandum of understanding to increase the number of companies listed in both the US and Israel, and boost trading. At the time seven Israeli companies traded on the NYSE. Dual listings trading volume of NYSE Israeli companies had increased 31% annually since 2001.[8]

In November 2008 the TASE and the Shanghai Stock Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding, pursuant to which they agreed to exchange delegations, to deepen Israeli businessmens' knowledge of the Chinese market and Shanghai Stock Exchange, and vice versa.[14]

In February 2010 the TASE and the Toronto Stock Exchange signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to the cultivation of stronger ties between the two exchanges.[15]

Listing

The Exchange offers four programs under which companies can list on the exchange: three programs for normal operating companies, and an additional venture program for development-stage technology companies. In addition, the TASE has a program for the listing of Limited Partnership Units.

The Dual Listing Law that took effect in October 2000 enables companies listed in the United States or London to dual-list on the TASE without any additional regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2006, 39 Israeli companies have dual-listed on the TASE, in compliance with this framework.

As of 2007, the total market value of all listed equity securities was $202.7 billion, compared with $161.4 billion in 2006, $122.6 billion in 2005 and $92.1 billion in 2004.[16]

Trading

The TASE has a computerized trading system with real-time information. All shares, convertibles, treasury bills, government bonds, and derivatives are traded via TACT, the TASE’s fully automated trading system. Trading in shares takes place Sunday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time (GMT+2). Bonds and Treasury bills are traded between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Derivatives trading runs from 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.[17][18] Dual listing is permitted, and many larger Israeli companies are dually listed on the TASE and one or more foreign markets, usually the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, but also the American Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.[19]

During regular trading hours the TASE can process orders of four varieties: LMT, MKT, FOK, and IOC.[20]

TASE links to the U.S. markets with a direct link to DTC, a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which facilitates the trading of dually listed securities.

Active involvement of foreign investors in the TASE began in 1994. In 2006, international holdings increased to 11.6% of the total market capitalization of the shares and convertible securities tradable on the TASE, compared to 11.4% in 2005 and 10.0% in 2004.[21] The ETF that tracks the performance of Israel's overall market is the iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index Fund, or EIS (NYSE Arca: EIS).[22]

Indices

See also: TA-100 Index

The major stock market indices of the TASE include:

These and other indices are explained on the TASE website indices section.[23]

Regulation and controls

The TASE is highly regulated, both internally and externally. The exchange is regulated by the Securities Law (1968), and falls under the direct supervision of the Israel Securities Authority. Internal regulations include automatic rejection of a trade at a price that deviates more than 35% from the last trade for that security, circuit breakers, and 45-minute halting of trade in a company’s securities on the day that the company publishes price-sensitive information, so that the information can be widely disseminated. The TASE's rules govern membership, registration of securities, conditions for suspending trading, and obligations of listed companies.[21]

Clearing houses

Two clearing houses operate at the TASE as subsidiaries:

References

  1. ↑ אתר הבורסה – דף הבית [The Bursa site – homepage] (in Hebrew). Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
  2. ↑ TASE plans extra hour to trading day, Haaretz
  3. ↑ "TASE is third in 1993 IPOs". Israel Business Today. 1994-07-22. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Bulls on parade". Jerusalem Post. 2008-01-31. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  5. ↑ Wrobel, Sharon (2005-12-28). "TASE lures foreign investment". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  6. ↑ "Tel Aviv Stock Exchange buys out Tase Clearing House". Finextra.com. 2007-02-19. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  7. ↑ Krieger, Matthew (2007-12-27). "TASE aims to boost global reach in '08". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Bloomberg (2008-07-01). "Tel Aviv, New York bourses sign accord". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  9. ↑ Barak Harif, Tal (21 February 2012). "Israel Safest as Investors Discount War Threat". Bloomberg. Retrieved 26 February 2012. The BLOOMBERG Riskless Return Ranking shows the Tel Aviv TA-25 Index (TA-25) returned 7.6 percent in the 10 years ended Feb. 17, after adjusting for volatility, the highest among 24 developed-nation benchmark indexes.
  10. ↑ "LSE and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sign MoU". Finextra.com. 2007-02-20. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  11. ↑ "Nasdaq, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange formalize ties". Investment Executive. 2007-11-26. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  12. ↑ "Tel Aviv Stock Exchange". Nasdaq.com. 2007-11-26. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  13. ↑ "Nasdaq cements tie with Israeli exchange". Investmentnews.com. Retrieved 2012-11-14.
  14. ↑ "Shanghai Stock Exchange And Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sign MoU". Finextra.com. 2008-11-10. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  15. ↑ Fleisher, Malkah (10 February 2010). "Tel Aviv and Toronto Stock Exchanges Sign Mutual Memorandum". Israel National News. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  16. ↑ Standard & Poor's – The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
  17. ↑ "TASE Site". Tase.co.il. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  18. ↑ "TACT Overview". Tase.co.il. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  19. ↑ "Dual Listing". Tase.co.il. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  20. ↑ Reich, Dror (15 February 2012). הבורסה משיקה שתי פקודות מסחר חדשות בשלב הרציף [TASE launches two new exchange orders for regular trading hours]. TheMarker (in Hebrew). Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "SEC Info – Israel State of – 18-K/A – For 12/31/06 – EX-99.D". Secinfo.com. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  22. ↑ "EIS — iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index Fund". ETF Channel. Retrieved 2 September 2011. This ETF is a fund, created in March 2008, that corresponds to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index.
  23. ↑ "TASE Site - Market Cap Indices". Tase.co.il. 2011-08-13. Retrieved 2012-02-13.

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