Global IPO proceeds fall 74% to US$13.1b in Q1: EY

Singapore

INITIAL public offerings (IPOs) globally in the first quarter this year have been dismal. The number of deals fell 41 per cent to 199 from the same period a year ago, while proceeds raised plunged by 74 per cent to US$13.1 billion, according to a report by Ernst & Young (EY).

Despite the positive performance of main stock indices, and a decrease in volatility in many markets, trade tensions continued to weigh on investor enthusiasm, EY said.

Once geopolitical uncertainties that had bedevilled global IPO activity in Q1 2019 clear up, a rebound could b…