IPOs in Hong Kong, Shanghai jump amid pandemic, tensions

Initial public offerings (IPOs) in greater China jumped in the first half of this year, bucking the declines seen elsewhere due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

In the first six months, listings in greater China were up 29% and the amount of money that was raised soared 72% from last year, according to data from consultancy EY. The Hong Kong and Shanghai exchanges took the lead, in terms of number of deals as well as total amount raised.

In contrast, both the number of IPOs and amount raised in other regions fell significantly as compared with the same period last year.

In the Americas, listings and proceeds each…