A two-part study on the alternative exchange of South Africa (AltX) : a study on the underpricing of new equity issues listed on the alternative exchange of South Africa and the effects of specific use of disclosure on underpricing

Abstract

Includes bibliographical references (leaves107-113).Extensive research has been conducted in a variety of countries investigating the extent of underpricing of initially listed companies. In addition, various studies have been conducted in an attempt to try and establish the relationship between disclosure and underpricing. Underpricing remains a vexing issue that continues to stimulate rigorous debate within economic and accounting research. This study seeks to remedy the omission of recent South African research on this subject. The study looks to establish whether underpricing has occurred on the Alternative Exchange of South Africa, (AltX). The AltX was launched on 27 October 2003, as the junior exchange to the larger Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The study follows the methodology of a previous South African study, by Barlow and Sparks (1986), which looked at the underpricing of shares on the JSE between the periods 1972 to 1986. This study looks at establishing underpricing on the AltX, during the periods October 2003 to March 2007