A trader speaks on a mobile phone as she works on the floor of the Libya Stock Exchange in the capital Tripoli, March 15, 2012. Libya's exchange resumed trading Thursday after more than 12 months out of action, signalling that the country is getting back to business after last year's conflict and ousting of the Gadhafi regime,Anis Mili/Reuters
From the FT's Lex blog
Fortune favours the brave, but investing on the Libyan stock exchange, whose building was seized by pro-Gadhafi forces in last year's civil war, might be a step too far.
This week, trading recommenced for the first time since the conflict. Ten companies are listed, including a cement business for anyone pinning hopes on the reconstruction effort. Sadly, though, only one stock changed hands, and trading hours are limited to 90 minutes daily. Opportunities for foreign investors, meanwhile, are promised shortly.
Still, no one should be too dismissive. Neighbouring Egypt has been a stock market star this year, up by a third and beaten only by Venezuela, although 22-per-cent below its end-2010 level. Revolutions may pave the way for stable capitalism – but not overnight.