Highest Performance in 17 Years

The Amman Stock Exchange is gaining attention among Middle Eastern markets after recording its best performance since 2008. Mazen Al-Wazifai, CEO of the Amman Stock Exchange, stated at the government's Tuesday Forum that "positive outlook for the national economy and accelerated government reforms have led to improvements in the investment environment."

By the third quarter of 2025, listed companies on the exchange recorded cumulative net profits of 1.7 billion dinars (approximately $2.4 billion). This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating restored confidence among both domestic and foreign investors.

Government-Level Reduction of Investment Barriers

CEO Al-Wazifai emphasized that activating initial public offerings (IPOs) is being pursued as a top priority. Close cooperation among the stock exchange, Capital Market Authority, and government agencies is underway to streamline procedures from company establishment to listing.

Key Reform Measures:

• Reduction of trading fees
• Support for investment fund establishment
• Expansion of government tax exemption benefits
• Modernization of listing and disclosure regulations

These measures are producing tangible effects in increasing market liquidity and strengthening investor confidence. "These improvements are the result of actionable policies, not mere plans," CEO Al-Wazifai explained.

Building Market Infrastructure Aligned with International Standards

The Amman Stock Exchange is establishing institutional and technical infrastructure that meets global standards. It is gradually adopting International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) standards, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) corporate governance principles.

In particular, the exchange is implementing mandatory sustainability (ESG) disclosure requirements for major listed companies included in the ASE20 Index, strengthening transparency related to environmental, social, and governance matters. CEO Al-Wazifai emphasized that "sustainability is now a core element of corporate competitiveness."

Future Outlook and Challenges

With continued government support and institutional improvements, the number of new listings is expected to increase. CEO Al-Wazifai presented an optimistic outlook, stating that "both the primary market (public offerings) and secondary market (exchange) will be activated."

However, geopolitical instability in the Middle East region and potential global economic slowdown remain variables. Investors are paying attention to medium- to long-term growth potential while preparing for short-term volatility.