Lagos — Reuters has begun offering real-time data from the Nigerian Stock Exchange, thereby increasing equity trading opportunities for its global clients.

The introduction of real-time market data for investors and traders using Reuters 3000 Xtra, includes the bid and ask price, volumes, latest trades and market depth information in equities and indices listed on the NSE.

More than 210 companies are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Until now, the NSE market data provided by Thomson Reuters was updated once a day, after the close of market. NSE is the latest African exchange that Thomson Reuters has switched to real time data, following Kenya 's Nairobi Stock Exchange.

Busisa Jiya, Manager for Africa, Thomson Reuters, commented: "This move is an acknowledgement of the development of the financial markets in Nigeria . Thomson Reuters' clients will now be able to make more effective trading decisions using real-time data on equities traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. This enhancement will be closely followed by real time data for bonds in the new year."

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligence information for businesses and professionals. "We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organisation.