(Source: PRNewswire)LAS VEGAS, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Coming off a flat month, the AGEM Index regained its upward momentum during the month of July, posting a value of 106.29, which represented an increase of 15.88 points (17.6 percent). The index broke through some significant barriers during the month, posting the third largest single-month gain since the index's inception. It is the only period thus far in which all members of the index posted an increase in their stock valuation from the previous month. The index also surpassed the 100-point value, the first time since August of 2008. While each member positively contributed to the index, more than 85 percent of the gain originated from the largest global gaming suppliers (based on market capitalization). The top five contributors to the index included: (1) International Game Technology (IGT), adding 6.70 points to the index due to a 24.21-percent increase in its stock valuation; (2) Bally Technologies (BYI), contributing 1.96 points to the index based on a 21.02-percent gain in its stock valuation; (3) Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) which was up 18.21 percent added 1.88 points; (4) Konami (KNM), contributing 1.75 points to the index driven by a 12.89-percent increase in its stock valuation; and (5) Lottomatica (LTO) which was up 8.16 percent added 1.24 points to the index.

On a year-over-year basis, the AGEM Index is up 1.4 percent, outpacing a 22.1-percent decline in the broader market (S&P 500), indicating investors in the global gaming sector may be looking beyond the economic cycle and pinning expectations on emerging markets. That said, investor optimism may be ahead of consumers as the majority of fundamental indicators have simply slowed their pace of decline and have yet to report absolute gains.

Indicators such as willingness to travel, the cost of gasoline, and shifts in the spending and savings rate of consumers will be important in revitalizing the growth of the gaming industry and its suppliers. However, the most pivotal barometers to the industry's growth and health will be lower unemployment rates in not only local gaming markets but nationally as well.

                   Exchange:        Stock Price at     Percent                    Symbol             month end       Change   AGEM           (Currency)        Jul- June- Jul- Prior  Prior   Index                                    09    09    08 Period  Year Contribution   Ainsworth Game    Technology    ASX: AGI (AU$)   0.08  0.07  0.12 14.29 (33.33) 0.01   Aristocrat    Technologies  ASX: ALL (AU$)   4.48  3.79  4.85 18.21  (7.63) 1.88   Astro Corp.