Egypt’s stock exchange has reopened after being suspended on 27 January.

According to a report in Reuters, the benchmark index EGX30 extended its decline to 8.2 per cent at reopening from 6.2 per cent before the halt.

Trading was suspended as a result of political instability in the country as activists attempt to bring down the current regime headed by President Hosni Mubarak.

Increased tensions within the capital led to the decision to temporarily cease trading, even though Egypt’s bourse chief had previously stated that there was no reason to suspend trading.