IPOs regain strong public interest

INITIAL public offerings (IPOs) are attracting strong investor interest again, as reflected in the high rates of subscription for recent new issues. After playing it cagey for almost the whole of last year and a good part of this year, investors are pouring money back into the IPO market.  

Mesdaq-bound IFCA MSC Bhd is the latest to benefit from this renewed interest. It surprised the investing community yesterday when its issue of two million shares for the public was over-subscribed 20 times – the highest this year – although the portion reserved for company directors and employees was not fully taken up.