US Securities Industry in 2004: IT Spending Projections & Key IT Trends

Celent anticipates that for the first time in two years annual IT spending will increase in the securities industry, reaching US$26.1 billion by the end of 2004.

After two years of dismal market conditions and stagnant IT spending, the U.S. securities industry is ready for a change. In a new report, "US Securities Industry in 2004: IT Spending Projections & Key IT Trends," Celent examines the market conditions shaping the future of the securities industry and provides IT spending projections for 2004 and beyond.

According to Sang Lee, manager of Celent痴 securities and investments practice, the positive outlook in the equities markets, changes in the retail brokerage industry, and pressures in investment banking have opened the doors to spending. Lee adds, "While we might not return to the spending nirvana of the late 1990s, 2004 is important because it looks to be the year in which wallets begin to open again."

Celent takes a cautiously optimistic view of the overall performance of the securities industry in 2004. Industry trends currently revolve around cost reduction, operational efficiency (straight-through processing), and compliance and risk management.

This report provides analysis and views on those issues that are vital to understanding the current and future direction of the industry from a technology and business standpoint.

A is available online.

of Celent Communications' Retail Securities & Investments and Institutional Securities & Investments research services can download the report electronically by clicking on the icon to the left. Non-members should contact info@celent.com for more information.