South Korea’s IPO bust clouds equity markets as Chaebol structure restrains listings

Image
South Korea's equity IPO activity has plummeted this year as efforts to boost corporate valuations run into trouble around governance reforms and the high amount Chaebols, or family-run conglomerates. South Korea saw 15 new listings in the year to June 3, with proceeds totaling around $700 million, according to LSEG data. By comparison, new listings averaged 80 per year between 2020 and 2025, with around $8 billion, the data show. Malaysia's new listings and proceeds almost double South Korea's. By contrast, the Kospi is the top-performing major index worldwide , more than doubling in value in the year to Monday. Chaebols, which were once central to South Korea's industrial development, are now "more of a hindrance than a help for creating new, independently listed champions," according to Polka Mishra, partner at Javelin Wealth Management in Singapore. South Korea's inheritance tax of 50% for amounts exceeding 3 billion won ($2 million) gives conglomerat...

JPMorgan Chase unveils $50 billion buyback, Goldman Sachs raises dividend after Fed stress test

JPMorgan Chase on Wednesday unveiled a new $50 billion share repurchase program and raised its quarterly dividend after the Federal Reserve found the industry remained well capitalized under its annual stress test. The biggest U.S. bank by assets said it will increase its quarterly dividend 10% to $1.65 per share, subject to board approval, and authorized the buyback program effective July 1. "The Board's intended dividend increase is supported by our consistent investment in our business and strong financial performance," JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said in a statement. "As always, we are prepared for a wide range of scenarios, including the hypothetical 2026 supervisory severely adverse scenario." Goldman Sachs likewise increased its quarterly payouts, saying that its dividend will rise 11% to $5 per share, citing the firm's strong earnings and capital position. Wells Fargo said it expects to raise its dividend by 11% to 50 cents per share, while Morgan Stanley boosted its payout 15% to $1.15 per share, while also reauthorizing a $20 billion buyback program. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said in a statement that the bank will make an announcement on the firm's dividend next month. The announcements followed the release of the Federal Reserve's annual stress test , which found that all 32 large banks remained above their minimum capital requirements even after a hypothetical recession generating more than $708 billion in projected losses across the industry. Unlike in previous years, however, the results will not affect banks' capital requirements. The Fed said earlier this year it would keep stress capital buffers unchanged through 2027 while it overhauls the testing methodology, meaning banks entered Wednesday with a clear understanding of their capital requirements. While analysts had expected the exercise to have little immediate impact, in a sign of confidence, banks opted to proceed with payout increases, despite the regulatory limbo. In a note ahead of the results, KBW described this year's stress test as "going through the motions," arguing that investors are more focused on the pending Basel III Endgame proposal expected later this year than on the Fed's annual exercise. This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

🔥 EXCLUSIVE PARTNER OFFER
Embosser Stamp LOGO Customized Wedding Library Book Private Seals Customization Envelope Party Invitation Embossing Stamps DIY

Embosser Stamp LOGO Customized Wedding Library Book Private Seals Customization Envelope Party Invitation Embossing Stamps DIY

Special Price

🎯 Best price guarantee! Order now and enjoy fast shipping with global tracking.

Affiliate link — Commission earned at no extra cost to you

© EcoNews DZ — Global Economic & Financial News

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Writing a Thesis or Paper with AI Tools

Xi wants China to boost demand. Why isn’t it working?

7 Best AI Applications to Enhance Scientific Research