INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Colombian regulators and investors are actively working to bolster their stock market to maintain its emerging market status.The Colombian
Stock Exchange, government, pension funds, traders, and top companies are jointly devising a plan to boost liquidity and trading volume.This
initiative responds to a JPMorgan Chase - Co
report from last year, which indicated a potential downgrade by MSCI Inc
to a frontier market.A downgrade would further diminish investment in a market already struggling with low trading volumes, few IPOs, and
market growth and strength.Following the implementation of this plan, investors have seen a noticeable return.The Colcap index witnessed a
significant 21% rise in dollar value since September, marking it as one of the top global performers, as reported by Bloomberg.Colombia
Fights Looming Downgrade from Emerging Market to Frontier Status
(Photo Internet reproduction)Emerging markets, as defined by MSCI, must meet specific criteria, including economic development, market size,
liquidity, and accessibility.Annually in June, MSCI reviews and announces potential reclassifications of countries within its Emerging
Markets Index.Currently, Colombia barely meets these criteria, with a minimal 0.1% weight in the index.Colombia Fights Looming DowngradeThe
Colombian market is exploring strategies like revising regulations to attract market makers, cutting costs for new stocks, and boosting
Bancolombia spoke about the frequent discussions regarding the potential downgrade of Colombian stocks.He stressed the advantage of
remaining an emerging market for access to a broader range of investors.
