Markets

Europe, Asia Face $130bn Listing Exodus as US Allure Grows

February 20, 2025

Europe, Asia Face $130bn Listing Exodus as US Allure Grows

Foreign companies across Europe and Asia, with a combined estimated value of around $130 billion, are increasingly eyeing the US market for their public listings. Attracted by deeper liquidity, higher valuations, and a favorable regulatory environment, these firms from Swedish fintech giant Klarna to Chinese bubble-tea maker Sexy Tea are shifting their primary listings to New York and other US exchanges. This trend, highlighted by record numbers of cross-border IPOs in the US last year, reflects growing concerns over valuation discounts in home markets and a strategic pivot towards US capital markets.

Glencore Considers Ditching London Listing for Optimal Valuation

February 19, 2025

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Glencore Considers Ditching London Listing for Optimal Valuation

Glencore is evaluating the possibility of moving its primary share listing away from the London Stock Exchange, with New York emerging as a top contender. CEO Gary Nagle stated that the company is seeking a trading venue that can deliver a more optimal valuation for its shares, amid declining liquidity and lower valuations in London. The move comes as Glencore reported a 16% drop in underlying profits in 2024, attributed to falling commodity prices.

Dutch Pension Fund ABP Sells All Alphabet and Meta Shares

February 17, 2025

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Dutch Pension Fund ABP Sells All Alphabet and Meta Shares

ABP, the Netherlands' largest pension fund, has divested its holdings in tech giants Meta and Alphabet. CEO Harmen van Wijnen explained to Dutch newspaper FD that the sales were driven by a failure to meet the fund’s governance criteria. The decision, which also saw the exit from Tesla shares last year, reflects ABP’s broader strategy to invest in companies that align with its social and environmental values.

Unilever Picks Amsterdam for Ice-Cream Business Listing

February 13, 2025

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Unilever Picks Amsterdam for Ice-Cream Business Listing

Unilever has announced that its ice-cream division will have its primary listing in Amsterdam, with secondary listings in London and New York. This strategic decision, aimed at maximizing shareholder returns and reducing costs, follows a comprehensive board review. Although the move has rattled the London market Unilever shares fell 7% in early trading CEO Hein Schumacher denies that it is a snub to the UK, emphasizing that the decision is based on operational efficiencies, as the division’s headquarters, manufacturing base, and brand IP are already in the Netherlands.

EU to Adopt Single-Day Settlement for Securities Trades from 2027

February 12, 2025

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EU to Adopt Single-Day Settlement for Securities Trades from 2027

The European Commission has announced plans to reduce the settlement period for stock, bond, and fund trades from two days to one by October 11, 2027. The move, which aligns the EU with recent changes in markets such as the UK, Switzerland, and the US, is aimed at boosting market liquidity, lowering risk and margin requirements, and reducing costs caused by misaligned settlement cycles across global jurisdictions

European Equities Reach 24-Year Highs Amid ECB Rate Cut Optimism

January 20, 2025

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European Equities Reach 24-Year Highs Amid ECB Rate Cut Optimism

European stock markets surged to levels not seen since 2000, driven by investor optimism about impending European Central Bank (ECB) rate cuts and a stronger-than-expected Chinese economic recovery. Germany’s DAX index hit record highs, and Italy’s FTSE MIB reached its highest since 2007. Contributing factors include a weaker euro boosting exports, a sharp rebound in Chinese demand, and underweighted investor positions in European equities.

European Markets Suffer Worst Weekly Drop in Over Three Months

December 22, 2024

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European Markets Suffer Worst Weekly Drop in Over Three Months

European shares endured their worst week in more than three months, led by steep losses in the healthcare sector after Novo Nordisk shares plummeted due to disappointing results from its next-generation obesity drug trial. The STOXX 600 index fell nearly 2% for the week, while broader market sentiment was dampened by Donald Trump’s tariff threats and hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve projections for inflation and interest rates.

Bitcoin Hits Record High of Over $106,000

December 16, 2024

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Bitcoin Hits Record High of Over $106,000

Bitcoin surged past $106,000 for the first time, driven by optimism about pro-cryptocurrency policies expected under President-elect Donald Trump. The rally represents a 50% increase in Bitcoin's value since Trump's election victory on November 5.