Due to the large and unexpected increase in the number of trades on thew JSE in recent months, the exchange is running at a much greater capacity than it was designed for. Plans for the roll-out of further capacity are at an advanced stage. In the interim, however, the JSE is rolling out a comprehensive set of demand-side measures in order to stabilise the situation. Clients are called on to voluntarily reduce the number and value of their trades by 20%. Failing this, the JSE will be forced to embark on trade-shedding, whereby the proceeds of 2 in 10 trades will be forfeited to the exchange. The JSE calls on all traders to co-operate in order to make such dramatic action unnecessary. "This situation will not prejudice the 2010 FIFA Wold Cup in any way," said a spokesperson for the JSE. In order to finance the roll-out of additional capacity, the JSE has applied with immediate effect to the regulator for a three-fold increase in brokerage and related fees. Should any new investors or traders wish to make use of the exchange, a new application procedure has been devised by JSE. This procedure is intended to delay the introduction of new traders by several months, and hopefully dissuade a number of applicants completely, so that they will never become a load on the system. The JSE thanks its loyal customers for their unwavering support, and resolves to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.
