Paid research: should SGX bother?

IT'S 15 months since the Singapore Exchange's (SGX) most recent research initiative known as SERI ended in June last year. According to the exchange's website, it is still "reviewing all options to enhance the level and type of research coverage for its listed companies".

SGX may well decide (after its long- drawn review) to completely withdraw from any involvement in research coverage. This would not be a bad idea, considering that the funding and co…