Business

Strong Showing: JSE Posts Profit Surge Despite Market Tensions

Published

2 months ago

August 5, 2025

Chiraag

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Equity trading spikes, dividends get reclaimed, and tech upgrades roll out

South Africa’s largest financial marketplace, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), has delivered impressive results for the first half of 2025 despite global volatility.

According to its latest interim report, the JSE’s net profit after tax jumped 13.2% to R557.8 million, driven by increased trading volumes, renewed investor interest, and focused modernisation efforts.

Equity Markets Lead the Charge

Equity trading was the standout performer, with revenue up 28% year on year to R272 million. This growth helped push the FTSE/JSE All Share Index past the 100,000 point mark, reflecting growing investor confidence in local stocks.

While geopolitical tensions rattled global markets earlier this year, South African investors remained active, taking advantage of attractive valuations and the JSE’s strong infrastructure.

A Balanced and Diversified Business Model

The JSE saw broad-based revenue growth across its core business divisions:

Capital Markets rose 16%
Post Trade Services increased 17%
Information Services grew 5%

This income diversity reflects a long-term strategy to ensure resilience. As CEO Leila Fourie explained, “Our resilience through dynamic market cycles demonstrates the strength of our earnings diversification strategy.”

Operating income rose 11.4%, and earnings before interest and tax increased by 15.4% to R638 million, highlighting the exchange’s strong financial footing.

New Tech, Better Systems, and Wider Reach

Beyond financials, the JSE is also making strides in technology and system upgrades.

Key developments in 2025 include:

A Broker Dealer Accounting system pilot that is already ahead of schedule
An expanded partnership with Nasdaq for improved trading infrastructure
A modernisation blueprint developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS)

These improvements support both innovation and compliance, as the JSE continues to refine its Listings Requirements and embrace a digital-first future.

Dividends Rediscovered: Claim IT Gains Traction

The JSE’s Claim IT initiative, launched in March 2025, helps South Africans check whether they are owed unclaimed dividends. So far, the platform has seen strong uptake:

Nearly 65,000 users have checked their eligibility
Over 8,200 people have been matched with outstanding dividend payments

For many South Africans, this tool provides a meaningful financial boost at a time when every cent matters. It also enhances public trust in the exchange’s role in financial inclusion.

A Solid Foundation for the Second Half

With a strong balance sheet, expanding products and services, and disciplined investment, the JSE appears well positioned for continued growth.

CEO Leila Fourie said that while newer business segments are still in development, they remain aligned with long-term demand and are progressing as expected.

Whether investors are monitoring market trends, reclaiming dividends, or keeping an eye on the JSE’s tech transformation, one thing is clear: South Africa’s stock exchange is adapting, advancing, and thriving.