The Fijian stock market experienced its most robust performance in over a decade last year, highlighted by a significant increase in trading activity, dividends, and overall investor engagement, according to the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX).
Total market turnover soared to $62.65 million, marking the highest annual trading value since 2015 and reflecting a remarkable 68% increase compared to 2024. The average daily turnover also demonstrated substantial growth, climbing by 69% to reach $249,610, indicating a more consistent and energized market environment.
Nitin Gandhi, the chairperson of SPX, revealed that listed companies achieved record returns for shareholders by paying a collective $103 million in dividends. This figure not only surpassed the previous year’s record of $76 million but also emphasized the strong profitability and resilience of Fiji’s corporate sector, with 18 of the 20 listed companies distributing dividends and 19 companies reporting profits.
Additionally, capital-raising activities hit a significant milestone as Fiji’s capital market welcomed both equity and debt listings within the same year for the first time. Notably, Shreedhar Motors Limited initiated an initial public offering, while RB Patel Group Limited introduced a wholesale corporate bond. This trend follows the revival of the IPO market in 2024, signaling a heightened private sector interest in utilizing the stock exchange for funding long-term growth initiatives.
The market indices reflected this positive momentum, with the SPX Total Return Index climbing by 7.10%, alongside a 4.15% increase in the Market Capitalization Weighted Price Index. Investor participation saw a remarkable surge, significantly aided by enhanced investor education and community engagement efforts. The number of new secondary market investors rose by 166% compared to the previous year, and institutional investors remained a key force, contributing to the depth and sustainability of the market.
Gandhi concluded by noting that the impressive performance in 2025 underscored a growing confidence in Fiji’s capital market, which bodes well for the future economic landscape of the region. This positive outlook is bolstered by ongoing efforts to engage and educate investors, setting the stage for further growth and development in the years ahead.