London's Stock Exchange: why aren't companies listing in Britain anymore?
Feb 20, 2025
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Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange, and Charles Hall, Head of Research at Peel Hunt, delve into why companies are increasingly opting for U.S. listings. They discuss the decline in UK IPOs, global market dynamics, and tax revenue impacts on the UK economy. The duo also explores the role of executive pay in attracting companies and the need for a robust domestic investment culture. With an eye on regulatory reforms, they share insights into how the UK could become a more appealing growth hub for businesses.
The decline in London IPOs reflects a global trend, as high-profile companies increasingly favor US markets for better valuations and growth potential.
Reforming UK listing rules and fostering a stronger domestic investment culture could potentially attract companies back to the London Stock Exchange.
Deep dives
The Decline of UK IPOs
The UK stock market has witnessed a significant decline in initial public offerings (IPOs), with only 18 companies choosing to list in London last year. This decline is not isolated to the UK but reflects a broader trend seen globally, where a 76% decrease in IPOs occurred from 2021 to 2024. High-profile companies, like Tui and Flutter, have opted to list their shares in the US instead of London, sparking discussions about the future competitiveness of the London Stock Exchange. The challenge posed by the lack of listings has raised questions about the market's relevance for British companies and the potential implications for future capital raising in the UK.
The Globalization of Capital Markets
The podcast highlights how globalization trends are affecting the relevance of the London Stock Exchange, as American markets attract a significant amount of capital. Notably, companies like NVIDIA and Apple have valuations higher than the entire FTSE 100, showcasing the dominance of US markets over their UK counterparts. This pull toward the US is causing both companies and investors to gravitate away from London, leading to concerns about the UK's financial landscape and its implications on tax revenues vital for public services. The competition between marketplaces is intensifying as UK investors increasingly favor US options due to perceived growth potential and better valuations.
The Changing Landscape of Listings
The podcast discusses the importance of changes to UK listing rules and how they aim to attract more international and growth-oriented companies. The AIM market has emerged as a significant success story, raising over half of all growth capital in Europe, and is positioned as an appealing option for younger companies. However, the allure of the US market, where companies often receive higher valuations, continues to tempt UK firms. Listings like that of AOT, a medical technology company that chose to list in London, demonstrate the potential for UK capital markets to provide a supportive environment for certain sectors despite the overall market challenges.
Cultural and Structural Barriers to Investment
Cultural attitudes toward investing in the UK are also contributing to the decline of domestic equity markets, as fewer individuals view stock investment as a valid alternative to real estate. The podcast argues for reform in the UK's approach to retail investment, suggesting that enhancing financial literacy and access to investment options could reinvigorate interest in the stock market. The comparison with the Swedish model reveals that encouraging mutual fund participation has strengthened their equity markets substantially. By fostering an investment culture that champions domestic companies and provides tax incentives for local investments, the UK could reverse the trend of capital flight to foreign markets.
After a year in which a number of big companies decided to list in New York rather than the UK, Evan Davis asks what can be done to attract firms to the London Stock Exchange. With Julia Hoggett, CEO at the London Stock Exchange, Charles Hall, Head of Research at the investment bank Peel Hunt and Conor Lawlor, Managing Director, Global Banking Markets and International Affairs at UK finance.
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