(Ecofin Agency) - The Tunisian Stock Exchange (BVMT) experienced its lowest transaction value in the third quarter of 2019, since the fourth quarter of 2017, we learned.

The value of transactions carried out on the market over the three months ending at the end of September was TND258 million, down for the third consecutive time since the beginning of the year. Tunindex, the benchmark index for all companies in this financial market, failed to maintain its 4.6% increase in the second quarter of 2019, falling by 1.3% with a negative return of 3.7% since the beginning of the year.“The stock market has been hit by several unfavorable factors,” said the investment and consulting firm Tunisie Valeurs.

The institution mentions a context marked by the rise in more attractive rates and the fierce competition imposed by investments in very short-term debt securities. But there is also the tense situation before and after the parliamentary and presidential elections. Economic activity has been hit by a certain slowdown.

Listed companies Sah Lilas and Délices Holding have also faced the slowdown and investors continue not to resort to banks whose financial performance is above the average of other listed companies.

On the stock market, large market capitalizations such as the Société de fabrication des boissons de Tunisie, a subsidiary of the French group Castel, posted mixed performances.

Idriss Linge