Shares of IPB Petroleum Limited (ASX:IPB) last traded at 0.021, representing a move of -4.55%, or -0.001 per share, on volume of 250,000 shares. After opening the trading day at 0.022, shares of IPB Petroleum Limited traded in a close range. IPB Petroleum Limited currently has a total float of 200.33M shares and on average sees 309,571 shares exchange hands each day. The stock now has a 52-week low of 0.008 and high of 0.105.

Why More Investors Are Looking Into S&P/ASX 200 Stocks

Australia takes pride with good corporate governance, which is why it is one of Asia’s fastest growing economies today. A nation’s good corporate governance improves its growth potentials as it lures domestic and foreign investors alike to bank on its equity market. CG Watch, which publishes ranks top Asian markets in terms of corporate governance biannually, has included Australia in its recent list.

The Australian Equity Market

IPB Petroleum Limited is traded on the The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) one of the biggest stock exchanges in Asia. And IPB Petroleum Limited also included in its list. As of May 2014, over 2,000 companies are listed on the ASX, boasting with a total market capitalization of almost A$2 trillion.

One of the benchmark indices in Australia is the S&P/ASX 200, which tracks as much as 200 most actively traded stocks on the ASX.

The S&P/ASX 200

The S&P/ASX 200 carries on from All Ordinaries, which was formed in January 1980 to serve as the main Australian benchmark index, when it was established in April 2000. It had started at 3,133.30 points.

Continuing from the history of All Ordinaries, the S&P/ASX 200 had hit its all-time low of 1,358.50 points in November 1992. Eventually, it was able to recover, hitting its all-time high of 6,828.70 points during the same month in 2007. In February of that year, the S&P/ASX 200 had first reached the 6,000 mark. Investors had flocked the ASX that time, seeking for safe-haven assets in preparation for the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 amid early signs pointing out to its onslaught. Australia have always boasted with a compelling borrowing environment, which is why investors have always relied to its economy for valuable investment growth.

The S&P/ASX 200 is rebalanced quarterly by a panel of five members, the Index Committee. The review happens on the 16th of every quarter-end month— March, June, September, and December. Up to 200 companies make up the S&P/ASX, depending on their liquidity, market capitalization, and other factors. IPB Petroleum Limited liquidity gives it an ability to perform the obligations with ease.

The S&P/ASX 200 is a free-float market-capitalization-weighted index, which means that stocks are evaluated based on their respective market capitalizations with respect to their share prices. Given this, stocks held by venture capitalists and the government are excluded since they are not often traded on the ASX.

When the components of the S&P/ASX 200 were last reviewed on September 16, six stocks had been removed while six new stocks had been included. Roughly 40% of the index is composed of the financial sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 represents about 80% of the total market valuation on the ASX, which is why it is an important indicator of the Australian economy. Similarly, it has a huge impact on the entire Asian economy.

Investors can surely benefit from the low interest rates and a healthy equity market in Australia. IPB Petroleum Limited has relatively good liquidity. That being said, investing in ASX stocks is highly recommended for those who are seeking higher near-term and long-term returns alike. Investors prefer the companies like IPB Petroleum Limited where they can easily see its liquidity ratio.

Another recent and important IPB Petroleum Limited (ASX:IPB) news was published by Smh.com.Au which published an article titled: “More than Buffett in IPB Petroleum – Sydney Morning Herald” on March 15, 2013.

IPB Petroleum Limited engages in the exploration of gas and oil properties in Australia. The company has market cap of $4.21 million. It holds 100% interests in three petroleum exploration permits comprising WA-424-P, WA-471-P, and WA-485-P located in the Browse basin, Western Australia. It currently has negative earnings.