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28 September 2000

# 10. What is making Australia a global financial centre?

DID YOU KNOW

Australia leads the world in share ownership

Australia has the highest rate of per capita shareownership in the world.

  • 54 per cent of Australians own shares either directly or indirectly.
  • Total shareownership in Australia has increased from 34 per cent in May 1997 to 53 per cent in November 1999.
    • In addition 300 000 Australians became first time shareholders during the recent demutualisation of Australian road services company NRMA.

Share

Ownership(%)(a)

Australia 54

Canada 52

US 48

UK 40

New Zealand 38

Germany 25

(a) Includes direct and indirect share ownership.

Source: Australian Stock Exchange, 2000 Australian ShareOwnership Study.