T he Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) 50th Anniversary Investor Forum attracted more than 1,300 people interested in creating wealth by investing in the stock market.

According to the JSE, the April 4 event was initially organised to host 400 people, but had to be relocated from an indoor facility to Emancipation Park to satisfy the public’s response to the open invitation via the social media and on the JSE website.

“It was the highest turnout that we have had in the history of the stock exchange. It is a historic achievement during our 50th anniversary. It goes to show how Jamaicans are warming to the idea of investing in the stock market,” a JSE news release quotes Managing Director Marlene Street Forrest.

“Being the number one performing stock exchange in the world says a lot and this has awakened Jamaicans at home and abroad to the possibilities that exist when they invest in the markets, which has returned over 300 per cent over the last five years. This is significant and, of course, persons are looking forward to benefit,” she said.

Vanessa Williams, manager of Barita Investments Limited, Mandeville branch, agreed.

“It was an excellent and well-organised event staged by the JSE to educate the public about the benefits of the stock exchange,” she said. “The people are hungry to become participants in the stock market. Barita is committed to helping the public make their money work for them from all income groups and will continue to support the JSE’s thrust for Jamaicans to practice healthy wealth management.”

Barita, which was the sponsoring broker, opened accounts on the spot for first-time investors.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-report/jse-investor-forum-attracts-over-1-300_161963