Capital Markets Fact Sheet
The Capital Markets Fact Sheet provides quarterly figures of all asset classes traded on FESE Members.
The performance of European capital markets in the first quarter of 2025 showed a generally positive momentum, according to data from the FESE membership. Overall, market developments unfolded amid a modest economic recovery and monetary policy becoming markedly less restrictive. Yet, persistent challenges, such as high geopolitical risks and escalating global trade tensions, continue to weigh on investor sentiment and economic stability.
Equity: In Q1 2025, market capitalisation rose compared to Q4 of the previous year while the number of listed companies declined slightly. The number of new listings increased, driven by a rise in non-IPO listings. However, total investment flows declined in Q1 compared to Q4. Equity trading began to recover in Q1, with both the number of trades and turnover showing noticeable increases from the lower levels seen in 2024.
Derivatives: Notional turnover as well as contracts traded grew in Q1 across all the derivative categories.
Other instruments: Turnover increased for all instruments compared to the previous quarter, except for bonds. However, the number of trades in both bonds and ETFs reached their highest levels since 2014. Market capitalisation of investment funds continued its gradual upward trend.