Dr. Stefano Alderighi, Senior Economist - Researcher at the WFE writes about recent IPO regional trends.

This month we examine the performance of a WFE indicator called the Median Simple Spread (MSS).

The World Federation of Exchanges (“WFE”), the global industry group for exchanges and CCPs, has today published its 2018 Full Year Highlights report. Global stock markets had a turbulent year in 2018. Volatility made a come-back, breaking the spell of stable markets in 2017.

The overall market capitalisation of exchanges as at end 2018 was 76.6 trillion USD. This figure is based on data received from 76 exchanges worldwide.

In this article we look at the new listings and investment flows through IPOs in the month of November 2018 when compared to November 2017. We also look into new listings and investment flows in the January to November 2018 period when compared to the same period in 2017.

Stock markets across the globe saw a sell-off in Oct 2018 and benchmark indices fell to record low levels. In this article we examine market activity as reflected by value and volumes of trades in equities and ETFs against this backdrop.

Market performance in Q3 2018 was mixed. While in the Americas region strong economic results and growing corporate profits in the US boosted markets, in Europe, tensions with respect to a trade war with the US, banking sector exposure to vulnerable emerging markets and the uncertainty stemming from Brexit negotiations were among factors affecting market sentiment.

Globally equity markets have recorded a surge in trading activity since the beginning of 2018.

The first half of 2018 has been eventful for stock markets worldwide. While the year started on a high note with domestic market capitalisation and benchmark indices scaling record high levels in markets across the globe, February 2018 was marked by a global stock market correction and a return of volatility after a remarkably calm period over 2017.