Though investor appetite for new issues on the London Alternative Investment Market (AIM) started strong in 2006, it waned noticeably by year-end, according to Ernst & Young. The firm tracks the fortunes of energy companies listed on AIM in a quarterly index, The Ernst & Young Oil & Gas EYe. Last year, 25 oil and gas companies listed on AIM, and to date, there are 108. "2006 was a roller-coaster year for oil and gas stocks on AIM," the firm reports. "Although the (index) has grown by 84% since inception in January 2004, performance in 2006 was disappointing, as the index plunged in value by 7% from its January opening position." For more on this, see the February issue of Oil and Gas Investor. For a subscription, call 713-260-6441.