IN the dealing hall of Fujian Industrial Securities Co, the largest of its kind in the province, cigarette smoke mixes with the hubbub of Fuzhou investors seeking their fortunes on the country's fledgling stock market.
Just minutes before the afternoon trading session begins investors spend their lunch breaks in front of a big screen displaying the trading activities of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
At the other end of the hall is the Shenzhen board, luring fewer fans than its Shanghai counterpart.
'Fuzhou investors prefer the Shanghai exchange more because its trading volume is heavier while its risk is also higher, meaning better chances of scooping profits,' said an elderly woman.
'But they make no difference to me. I have nothing to do at home. Hanging around here and buying some stocks is a better pastime than staying at home.' The recent recovery of the mainland stock markets has ignited new hope in investors, especially after the Shanghai index surged recently after a period in the doldrums early this year.
'They don't earn much salary,' the woman said, pointing to the crowds of investors gazing at the screen, 'so they hope to earn some quick money on stocks.' Fuzhou investors are proud of their enthusiasm for investing in securities.