ISLAMABAD, Nov 1: The share index of Islamabad Stock Exchange (Guarantee Limited) shot up to 8,210.13 points during the financial year, 2002-03, denoting an increase of 75 per cent over the previous year.

This record performance, according to ISE spokesman, was revealed during the annual general meeting of ISE held here on Saturday. The meeting also approved the annual accounts of the Exchange.

The meeting also noted that the aggregate market capitalization of the bourse had risen by as much as 85.95 per cent from Rs292.201 billion to Rs543.371 billion during the same period. In terms of US dollar, the market capitalization increased from $5.038 billion to $9.368 billion.

During 2002-03, the Exchange earned an income of Rs30.96 million and recorded its highest ever revenue from trade fee source, that is, Rs3.2 million, as compared to last year’s earning of Rs1.7 million under this head.

Similarly, the miscellaneous income also recorded an increase of 183 per cent during the year under review.

The year 2002-03 also came out to be a year of development for the Exchange in that it invested substantial funds in the establishment of Investors’ Information Centre. It held investment seminars and briefings to promote a culture of stock market investments in the region.

Moreover, the ISE refurbished its web-site and installed an Investors’ Hotline for the purpose of educating the general public about the stock market investments. The objective underlying these initiatives was to promote the ISE as a reliable venue for investment by the people of this region.