Hong Kong led Asia-Pacific equity issuance in the first half of 2026, raising nearly US$44 billion from initial public offerings, placements, and block trades, up 29% from a year earlier.

AI-linked Chinese issuers tapped the market despite weakness in the Hang Seng Index and stricter scrutiny from mainland China of some listings.

Hong Kong accounted for the largest share of the region’s US$122 billion total, helped by deals from battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd and circuit-board manufacturer Victory Giant Technology Huizhou Co.

The pickup follows a rebound that made Hong Kong’s IPO market the strongest first half since 2021 in 2025.

The pipeline remains active.

Baidu’s AI chip unit Kunlunxin has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong listing, and more than 200 applicants were previously in HKEX’s pipeline.

India’s share sales fell 32% to just over US$14 billion after market weakness delayed some listings.

PhonePe said it remains committed to an India IPO, and about 141 companies still have regulatory approval to list.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg