Caribbean Investment IQ December 2013 | Page 32

Outlook In 2013, an astonishing 12,000 new brokerage accounts were opened indicating the responsiveness displayed by potential investors. The listing of FIRST and subsequent oversubscription coupled by the large volumes of CLICO Investment Fund shares trading are both evidence that investors are keen on opportunities to reap returns on the stock exchange. The Government will play a leading role in quenching the potential shareholder thirst given the plans outlined in the budget 2013/ 2014 statement. In this regard, the Government has stated its objective to list several state enterprises on the TTSE such as the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago 39% shareholding in Phoenix Park Gas Processors Company. An expansionary capital market drive is an exciting prospect for individual and corporate investors alike. Capital markets have grown more modern and sophisticated in terms of the investment opportunities available and as 2013 comes to an end, domestic market development is apparent. Government has identified the four follow [