Midcap Index Shows Outstanding First Quarter Performance

The Amsterdam Exchanges NV turned in an excellent performance in the first quarter with regard to both turnover and share price trends, establishing new records on both fronts. Total turnover in the quarter amounted to 520.4 billion guilders (first quarter last year 334.4 guilders). In addition the two indices operated jointly by the stock and options exchanges, the Amsterdam EOE Index (AEX) and especially the Amsterdam MidCap Index (AMX) soared to new all-time highs. Since the end of 1995 the AEX has registered a gain of 9.6 percent (531.65) and the AMX a rise of no less than 26 percent (726.01).

March
The Amsterdam EOE index again climbed to a new record high in March of 531.65, a four percent gain on end-February. At the end of the month the bourse gained added impetus from the Dutch central bank's surprise cut in the rate on advances to 2.5 percent, its lowest level in more than 60 years. The rate on the latest 10-year government bond issue picked up a touch: from 6.39 to