THE value of Scottish companies listed on the AIM exchange increased strongly in total in the second quarter amid challenging market conditions, a study has found.
Accountancy firm BDO found the total market value of the shares in Scottish firms listed on AIM increased to £1.665 billion at June 30, from £1.51bn at March 31.
The resulting 10.3 per cent increase in the total market capitalisation of the 26 firms concerned helped the group put-perform some other markets overall.
The value of the 50 biggest AIM-listed firms increased by nine per cent in the quarter. The value of the FTSE AIM all share index rose 5.51 per cent.
Craig Martin, corporate finance director with BDO, said: "The listed sector has been hit badly by a number of factors outwith its control. The issues relating to Greece, the fall in output in China, and concern over the wider economic recovery are all factors which have led to some reduction in the value of listed markets."
He added: "For Scotland's AIM listed firms to increase substantially in value is commendable."
BDO noted the rise in the total value of Scottish firms followed big increases in the share prices of some oil and gas firms, amid volatility in the sector.
It calculated that the value of West Africa-focused Eland Oil & gas rose 68.6 per cent, the biggest percentage increase recorded by any Scottish firm.
The value of Bowleven, another oil and gas firm focused on West Africa, fell 9.75 per cent.
Omega Diagnostics saw its value increase by 54.5 per cent.
The biggest fall, 45.9 per cent, was recorded by the SeaEnergy offshore services business.
Shares in 17 firms rose over the quarter. Shares in seven firms fell, while those in two were static.
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