KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian capital market is expected to raise up to RM105 billion in 2017 from RM98.5 billion raised in 2016, said Securities Commission (SC) chairman Tan Sri Ranjit Ajit Singh.
Ranjit said the outlook for the capital market in 2017 reflects increased optimism, underpinned by renewed interest in emerging markets and sustained gross domestic product growth expectations.
"We expect higher levels of fundraising in 2017, with current estimates of between RM102 billion to RM105 billion while at present, the size of the capital market has also increased to RM2.97 trillion," he said at SC 2016 Annual Report briefing here, today.
Ranjit said the Malaysian capital market grew to RM2.84 trillion in 2016 with total capital raised amounting to RM98.5 billion.
"Despite global uncertainties and episodes of pronounced volatility affecting markets, the Malaysian capital market remained resilient with orderly market conditions.
"The market recorded growth across several market segments with favourable investor interest and provided sustainable long term financing for issuers," he said.
In 2016, RM86.7 billion was raised through the primary market, with corporate sukuk and bond issuance of RM85.7 billion and new equity listings of RM1 billion.
In addition, RM11.8 billion was raised through the secondary equity market.
The bond market grew to RM1.17 trillion, while equity market capitalisation ended the year at RM1.67 trillion.