Stockholm’s stock exchange has been thriving, drawing attention from EU officials who recently went on a study trip to the city. The Financial Times reports that the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange is highly sought-after, with many foreign companies eager to list in Stockholm. This is in stark contrast to other European countries, including London, which are experiencing low IPOs and declining trading activity.
Sweden’s active capital market has attracted attention due to its robust ecosystem and incentives that have resulted in over 500 companies being listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in the past eleven years, surpassing countries like France, Germany, Holland, and Spain combined. In comparison, Helsinki has seen only a few IPOs in recent years, highlighting the difference in the vibrancy of the stock market between Sweden and Finland.
The role of Swedish pension funds in listing activities cannot be overstated. These funds have played a significant role in contributing to the success of the stock market ecosystem by emphasizing domestic shares. On the other hand, countries like Britain and Finland have seen a decrease in domestic investments due to slow price development of domestic shares. Efforts are being made across Europe to stimulate the stock market through regulatory changes and encouraging investments in domestic stocks following the successful Swedish model.
Overall, this study trip has shed light on how important it is for countries to have thriving stock market ecosystems and how incentives play a crucial role in promoting market activity and attracting companies to list on exchanges.