Stock market is crashing, yet IPOs attract billions: What’s happening here?
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) invested $1 billion (Rs 9,676 crore) in IPOs in September even as they sold $4.8 billion (Rs 45,537 crore) worth of listed equities, the highest monthly outflow since April 2026, when they withdrew $6.7 billion (Rs 63,167 crore). So, amid rising crude oil prices and US bond yields, why are investors exiting stocks but retaining interest in IPOs? Let’s understand:
The Indian stock market is experiencing a significant decline, yet Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are attracting substantial investments, leading to a perplexing situation. While the Sensex has dropped almost 16% from its peak and has not reached a new closing high in over two years, IPOs are seeing strong investor interest. Despite the tumultuous secondary market, the primary market is displaying robust activity.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have invested $1 billion in IPOs in September alone, despite selling $4.8 billion worth of listed equities, the highest monthly outflow since April 2026. Additionally, retail investors are also shifting their focus, investing more in IPOs and fewer in listed equities. This situation is primarily driven by differences in valuation between IPOs and listed companies, with IPOs often being priced lower and providing better entry points for investors.
Furthermore, currency depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has made IPOs more attractive for foreign investors, who are seeking to optimize their returns amid rising crude oil prices and US bond yields.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
