Moscow Exchange Chair Highlights 2025 Market Growth

In a New Year's address, the chairman of the Moscow Exchange, Victor Zhidkov, reflected on a successful 2025 for the Russian financial markets. He noted that the year was marked by a series of positive developments driven by active market participation. Key achievements included a substantial rise in overall trading volumes, the arrival of new issuers listing on the exchange, and an extension of trading session times. These factors contributed to a dynamic and productive year for the exchange and its participants.

Zhidkov expressed his optimism for the upcoming year, attributing the 2025 successes to the collective efforts of those involved in the market. The statement underscores the exchange's role as a central pillar of the national economy. The positive momentum suggests a strong foundation for continued development in the coming year.

The year 2025 was characterized by a significant increase in trading activity across the Moscow Exchange. According to the chairman's statement, the total volume of trades experienced notable growth. This surge indicates heightened investor confidence and a more liquid market environment. Increased trading volumes are often seen as a sign of a healthy and vibrant financial system.

Several factors likely contributed to this upward trend. These include:

• Enhanced market accessibility for various classes of investors
• Favorable macroeconomic conditions throughout the year
• Increased corporate activity and capital movements

The growth in volume reflects the market's capacity to handle larger transaction flows efficiently. This metric is a key indicator of the exchange's overall performance and its attractiveness as a venue for capital allocation.

A key highlight of the past year was the successful attraction of new issuers to the exchange. The entry of these new companies expanded the range of investment opportunities available to market participants. This diversification is crucial for building a robust and resilient market structure. It provides investors with more options for portfolio construction and risk management.

The arrival of new listings demonstrates the exchange's appeal to businesses seeking to raise capital. It also reflects the trust that companies place in the platform for their public market debut. The continued onboarding of new entities is a fundamental aspect of the exchange's growth strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and depth in the domestic capital market.

In 2025, the Moscow Exchange also implemented an important operational enhancement by increasing the duration of trading sessions. This change provided market participants with more flexibility and additional time to execute their trading strategies. Longer trading hours can lead to better price discovery and allow for a more orderly response to news and events occurring outside of standard sessions.

The extension of trading time is a direct response to the evolving needs of the market. It accommodates a wider range of trading styles and time zones, potentially attracting more participants. This operational improvement is part of a broader effort to modernize the exchange's infrastructure and align it with global best practices.

The chairman's message was not only a reflection on past achievements but also an expression of optimism for the future. As the New Year approaches, the foundation built in 2025 sets a positive tone for continued development. The active participation and engagement seen throughout the year are expected to carry forward.

The focus will likely remain on fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient marketplace. The achievements in trading volume, issuer numbers, and operational hours provide a strong platform for further growth. The exchange's leadership remains committed to supporting the market's evolution and its critical role in the national economy.