The Salvadoran stock market had a strong performance in 2024, closing the year with a total of $5,429.4 million in transactions, a 12.7% increase compared to 2023, according to the Superintendency of the Financial System (SSF). This marked a historic achievement for the El Salvador Stock Exchange (BVES), highlighting the country’s growing financial market and the increasing confidence from investors.

In December alone, the BVES saw 557 transactions, totaling $349.1 million, maintaining the average monthly volume of 2024. This consistent activity reflects the positive trends and investor trust throughout the year. Over the past three years, the market has experienced a significant rise, with figures jumping from $2,895.4 million in 2022, to $4,817.4 million in 2023, and up to $5,429.4 million in 2024.

The primary market, where investors buy assets directly from issuers, recorded $1,514.2 million in 2024, with the participation quotas of closed funds topping the list with $329 million. In the secondary market, where investors buy and sell assets among themselves, $323.8 million were traded.

The repurchase market, where short-term loans are made using securities as collateral, saw $2,583.7 million in transactions, representing nearly half (47.6%) of the total market. This market also experienced significant growth, with a 34.7% increase in activity compared to the previous year. The majority of repurchase transactions were for terms between 5 to 8 days, with a weighted yield of 6.25% in December.

Investment funds also saw growth in 2024, reaching $1,424.2 million in assets. Open funds accounted for $280.4 million, while closed funds represented $1,143.9 million. The Fondo Abierto Renta Liquidez Banagrícola led the open funds with $87.74 million, while the Fondo de Inversión Cerrado de Renta Fija I led the closed funds with $643.84 million.

The integrated market between El Salvador and Panama also showed progress, with $606.9 million traded since its inception in 2017. In 2024 alone, 672 transactions totaling $149.3 million were recorded.

The growth in the Salvadoran stock market underscores the country’s positive economic outlook and its rising role in regional financial integration, especially with Panama, where both Salvadoran and Panamanian brokers participate in the integrated market.

As El Salvador continues to attract international investments, the stock market’s expansion is expected to remain a key driver for economic development in the country.