Dr Ashraf Al-Sharkawy, head of the General Authority for Financial Regulation, said the state of confusion in Egyptian stock market would last until parliamentary and presidential elections. "We do not have the power of law to obligate companies to save a worker or not, as we are just a regulatory authority," said Sharkawy, who added that artificial interference in financial markets is not a good index. Sharkawy said Monday's visit of the Deputy Prime Minister to open the stock market is a message that shows government support for the stock market and investments. Stocks regained 4.7 billion EGP (U.S. $788 million) at the market opening. Sharkawy said many factors could influence the exchange and reflect upon share prices, such as companies' performances, political stability in the country, protests and strikes. "Client signatures on blank checks is considered one of the largest problems facing us in confronting stock market manipulation," said Sharkawy.
