Over the first nine months of 1998, the capitalisation of the Kazakhstani securities market listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) totalled KZT 130,552.344m (about USD 1.6bn), a 20% increase compared with the beginning of the year. The traded volume of non-state securities totalled KZT 150,089,900 (USD 1.8m); state securities—KZT 5,405,767,100 (USD 66m), and state packages of shares—KZT 1,078,100 (USD 13,195). As of 1 October, five companies had qualified for the top tier, Listing A, on the KASE. They include: Kazkommertsbank (common shares-C), Nefetebank (C),Ust-kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant (C and preferred shares - P), Halyk Savings Bank of Kazakhstan (C), Shymkentnefteorgsintez (formerly called Shymkent Oil Refinery) (C, P). Thirteen companies are included in Listing B. The second tier, or non-listed companies, is made up of 18 firms. (National Securities Commission)

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Last week, no transactions were reported on the KASE.