Canadian Trading and Quotation System Inc, (CNQ) saw major improvements in all critical measures of its stock exchange activity in 2006, driven by increased listing and financing activity.

Overall listings were up 35% from 2005 and trading volume and value increased by 29% and 23%, respectively, reported Canada’s newest stock exchange.

“What’s more important than exchange activity is that listed companies raised over $80 million in new capital and market capitalization increased by 45% to an average of $12 million per company,” said Robert Cook, CNQ president.

Companies that went to the market for new capital raised an average of over $4 million and the exchange ended the year with 64 companies listed compared with 47 the previous year.

“This reflects the growing realization that CNQ is the home of emerging companies with dynamic business prospects,” said Ian Bandeen, vice chairman and CEO. “The success of the CNQ listed market is what we are building on when we launch the continuous auction facility of the Pure Trading alternative market later this quarter.”