KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
Hong Kong’s stock market revival is gaining momentum, with more than 200 companies preparing to go public, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan. The surge underscores the city’s renewed role as Asia’s leading capital-raising hub following years of subdued activity.
Strong IPO Pipeline Reflects Renewed Confidence
In an interview with Bloomberg Television from New York, Chan described the initial public offering (IPO) pipeline as “very strong.”
“For mainland companies going global, using Hong Kong as a platform to raise funds and employ talent for overseas expansion is a very good business proposition,” he said.
The robust pipeline comes as Chinese firms increasingly turn to Hong Kong for listings amid improving market sentiment and policy support from Beijing.
2025: Hong Kong’s Best Year for Equity Sales Since 2021
According to Bloomberg data, equity sales — including IPOs, primary placements, and block trades — raised the most in four years during the third quarter. The total proceeds in the three-month period even surpassed the entire year’s total for 2024.
Major listings have included Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) and Zijin Gold International Co, both contributing to Hong Kong’s revival as a global financial hub.
The Hang Seng Index has climbed 29% in 2025, making it one of the best-performing developed market indicesworldwide. The rally has been supported by improving sentiment toward China’s economy and policy reassurances from Beijing.
Global Investors Return to Hong Kong
Chan highlighted that trading activity has become increasingly diversified:
“Half of the trading volume is coming from Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, while the other half is from mainland China,” he said.
This resurgence in global participation signals renewed investor confidence after years of geopolitical and regulatory headwinds.
Global Financial Summit Draws Strong Interest
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is gearing up to host its second global bankers’ summit next month. The inaugural 2022 event saw several top executives withdraw due to Covid restrictions and U.S. political concernsabout engagement with Hong Kong.
This year’s edition is expected to attract significant global attention, with about 100 CEOs and chairpersons confirmed to attend.
“The response so far has been overwhelming,” Chan said. “This is a must-go event in Asia for business leaders.”
Summary
Over 200 firms planning IPOs in Hong Kong.
Q3 2025 equity sales surpassed 2024’s full-year total.
Hang Seng Index up 29% YTD, among top global performers.
Major listings: CATL, Zijin Gold.
HKMA summit to host ~100 top global banking executives.
Hong Kong’s financial comeback — driven by Chinese corporate listings, international investor participation, and a rejuvenated IPO market — signals a pivotal moment for the city as it reasserts its place among the world’s top financial centres.
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