In a year that was marked by a tough environment for all, including analysts, BJMs research team has once again come out on top as the best overall research firm in the 2009 Financial Mail rankings of analysts and broking firms. Our focus on quality research and broad coverage of the local market resulted in BJM being ranked first in nine sectors – more than any other firm.

In spite of the difficult and fast changing environment, our analysts produced some outstanding calls during the year, including the macro team's accurate pricing of Eskom's debt, and early sell calls on Barloworld and Imperial Group. A number of our analysts received excellent ratings, testament to the quality of their work.

The rankings, which the FM has published annually since 1977, are based entirely on the opinions of domestic institutional investors. The research rankings cover 40 equity and other sectors. Respondents are asked to vote separately for analysts and broking firms, based on research produced over the previous 12 months.

We are proud to again be voted No 1 South African Equity Research and Dealing House, which emphasises our strength in the market and value add to our clients.

Equity Research*
1. Barnard Jacobs Mellet
2. Macquarie First South Securities
3. UBS Securities

 Equity Dealing**
1. Barnard Jacobs Mellet
2. UBS Securities
3. JP Morgan

*Financial Mail - Fund Managers weighted, Sectors unweighted
**Financial Mail - unweighted 

Click to view the individual research rankings