The Oslo Stock Exchange (OSX), also known as the Oslo Børs ASA, is the chief share trading market in Norway. Norway’s stock exchange was introduced back in 1819 under the name of Christiana Børs. Although at first it did not have a listing or stock exchange, it was a gathering place for investors who would trade foreign currencies, ship shares, ships and commodities. In 1881 the Børs began trading stocks and bonds. Over a century later in 1988, the Oslo Stock Exchange brought in electronic trading as a support system and it was made completely electronic in 1999.
Up until 2001 the Oslo Stock Exchange was self-owned but then became a joint stock company. The OMX group gained a 10% stake in the exchange as of October 2006. Essentially the Oslo Børs ASA is a regulated market involved in the trading of securities. They offer products in the following areas: derivatives, warrants, bonds, fixed income instruments, shares and primary capital certificates. The securities market of the Oslo Stock Exchange functions to offer good investment opportunities for capital seekers both on a long-term and short-term basis. The exchange is vital to ensuring that all trading occurs reliably and efficiently as well as monitoring all those involved in the market. The leading index of the Oslo Stock Exchange is the OBX Index which lists 25 liquid companies. Stocks on this index can be traded with both futures and options.
Oslo Stock Exchange formed a co-operation agreement with The Stockholm Stock Exchange, Iceland Stock Exchange and Copenhagen Stock Exchange. This alliance makes securities accessible on international markets. It makes trading cost-effective and easier across the four exchanges. Top companies listed with the Oslo Stock Exchange in Norway include the Aker Group, Opera Software, Frontline Ltd, Bergesen Worldwide Gas and Norsk Hydro ASA.
Norway’s economy sees a blend of free market activity along with government intervention. Key sectors such as the petroleum sector are under the jurisdiction of Norway’s government. This stunning country has many natural resources such as fish, minerals, forests, petroleum and hydropower which are exported along with ships, chemicals and machinery. GDP growth was minimal in 2002-2003 at only 1%, however this saw an improvement in 2004-2006 at 3-4%. Growth of Norway’s economy is chiefly based on domestic economic activity, great consumer confidence as well as strong investment spending in gas and oil offshore. The main imports into Norway include metals, foodstuffs, equipment and machinery.
