The Iraqi Stock Market and its Reflection on Sustainable Development An Analytical Study on Some Listed Companies in Iraq as a Model

Abstract

This research examines the importance of the Iraqi stock market and its impact on sustainable development, focusing on the actual performance of various sectors during the period from 2018 to 2023. The study aims to highlight the effectiveness of the stock market as a key financial tool in stimulating economic growth through attracting investments, achieving financial integration, and increasing cash flows. To achieve the research hypothesis, financial data for indicators were relied upon (the annual relative change index in trading value for sectors as an independent variable and the overall relative change index in trading value as a dependent variable). The results of the research show that the Iraqi stock market has significant potential to stimulate economic growth by providing necessary financing for projects and attracting investments. However, it is observed that the market's contribution to sustainable development is weak, which requires further study and analysis. The study recommends improving the effectiveness of the stock market through policy reforms and increasing investments to enhance its role in achieving sustainable development. Additionally, the study offers recommendations to improve performance in low-impact sectors such as hotels, tourism, and agriculture to achieve the desired sustainable development goals.