ASX Listings Decline: A Sign of Shifting Investor Preferences
ASX Listings Decline: A Sign of Shifting Investor Preferences
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
As 2024 draws to a close, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is facing a notable decline in the number of listed companies, a trend reflecting an increasing investor shift towards private markets.
The ASX Group's Monthly Activity Report for November confirms a decrease in listings-from 2,191 companies at the year's start to 2,121 by the end of November, marking a net loss of 70 listings.
This downward trend is driven by 64 companies opting to delist during the current financial year, with only 30 new companies joining the exchange. The report highlights a broader market sentiment favoring private investments over traditional public listings, emphasizing the growing allure of the private sector for delivering robust returns, innovation, and growth.
According to Martin Donnelly, Managing Director at EQT Client Relations and Capital Raising, this inclination is part of an international pattern seen across initial public offerings (IPOs), with funds raised in IPOs decreasing from USD$54.6 billion in early 2022 to USD$24.9 billion by the third quarter of 2024.
"We're witnessing a significant pivot toward private market assets as 2024 comes to an end," Donnelly remarked. "Companies consider private markets increasingly attractive for growth and capital access, a view supported by ongoing structural shifts at a broader level."
For investors, this means that focusing solely on public markets could result in missed opportunities. Private markets entice investors by integrating sectors and enterprises that fuel innovation and economic progress, particularly when IPOs are less prominent.
In this context, EQT launched EQT Nexus, an open-ended fund for wholesale investors, allowing participation in various initiatives such as mature buyouts, pioneering ventures, and infrastructure projects within EQT’s Private Equity and Infrastructure domains.
"EQT Nexus opens doors for wholesale investors to access opportunities that were traditionally exclusive to institutional investors, thus broadening their investment universe and tapping into EQT’s global deal flow," explained Donnelly.
The move towards private markets, as reported by Inside Story, underlines a critical shift in the investment landscape-one that positions private market strategies at the core of contemporary financial portfolios for those seeking innovation-driven growth.
The Australian business lending landscape has witnessed significant growth, with the total lending to non-financial businesses reaching $1.2 trillion as of January 2026. This marks a 9.3% increase over the year and a substantial 53.9% rise compared to January 2020, according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
In a significant transformation, Westpac Banking Corporation is undertaking a strategic shift to bolster its presence in Australia's business lending sector. The bank plans to replace traditional in-branch tellers with dedicated bankers specialising in home and business lending. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance customer service and streamline operations. - read more
The Australian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is experiencing a notable shift in financing preferences, with non-bank lenders gaining significant traction. This trend is driven by SMEs seeking more flexible and accessible funding options to support their growth ambitions. - read more
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) 200 has reached a historic milestone, closing at a record high of 9,128 points. This remarkable achievement was primarily driven by robust performances in the consumer non-cyclicals and materials sectors. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a 25 basis point increase in the cash rate, bringing it to 3.85%. This decision reflects the central bank's commitment to addressing persistent inflationary pressures within the Australian economy. - read more
A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the vision, objectives, and strategies of a business. It serves as a vital road map for entrepreneurs, detailing how they plan to achieve success. Importantly, a well-crafted business plan is essential when seeking funding, as it provides investors with a clear picture of the business's potential and its path to profitability. - read more
Pre-approval in the financial world refers to a preliminary evaluation by a lender to determine how much credit or loan they may be willing to extend to an applicant. It's a vital step for any Australian looking to finance a significant purchase such as a home or a car. Essentially, pre-approval provides potential borrowers with an indication of their borrowing capacity, subject to final verification and approval. - read more
Freelancers and self-employed individuals in Australia often navigate a unique set of financial challenges. The unpredictable nature of income can make budgeting and long-term financial planning more difficult compared to those with a steady paycheck. As work comes and goes in fluctuating cycles, financial stability can sometimes feel elusive. - read more
As Australians navigate their personal financial journey, understanding how to manage debt effectively becomes crucial. From dealing with various lines of credit to juggling personal loans, the concept of debt consolidation often emerges as a viable strategy to regain control of financial health. This guide delves deep into the heart of debt consolidation's landscape in Australia, offering a comprehensive examination of what it entails, its benefits, and its potential drawbacks. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and
compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without
obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Truth in Lending Act (TILA): A federal law designed to promote the informed use of consumer credit by requiring disclosures about terms and costs.