The ongoing integration process of the national stock exchanges has also been supportive in this respect. Primary issues of European equities have reached record highs, with whole new markets, such as the Neuer Markt in Frankfurt, becoming prominent internationally.
These developments can only favour those companies which may have found it difficult in the past to finance themselves, but which will now be able to raise equity more easily. In addition, a number of Europe-wide equity indices have been established, thereby contributing to extending the trading possibilities and the position-taking opportunities for investors.