NSE looks to enhance focus on equity, debt; lower cost of raising funds

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) plans to focus on equity, debt and interest rate futures segments for business expansion as well as on reducing the cost of raising funds for companies, a senior official said today.

Equity market penetration has the potential to grow and the bourse intends to concentrate on segments like debt, interest rate futures and commodity market for expanding its business, NSE chairman Ashok Chawla told reporters here at the exchange's silver jubilee celebrations.

On the occasion, NSE Managing Director and Chief Executive Vikram Limaye said there is a need to broaden the base of retail investors and enhance the participation of institutional investors.

On the priorities, Chawla said the exchange will focus on reducing the fund raising costs for companies and also looks at organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

Stating that the focus is not on equity alone, Limaye said, "Be it debt or equity, credit risk or commodity risk, we will focus on all."