Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

London Stock Exchange sees plunge in shares listing applications

Applications to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) have plunged in 2023 despite efforts to revive the city.

Video poster image

According to data from the Financial Conduct Authority, the number of requests to float on the main market of the LSE dipped to its lowest level in at least six years with only 56 companies applying to list their shares on the LSE’s main market between January and November 23 this year. IGTV’s Angela Barnes looks at why.

(AI Video Summary)

Decline in London Stock Exchange shares listing applications

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has seen a major drop in the number of companies applying to list their shares this year. In fact, it's the lowest it's been in at least six years, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. Only 56 companies have applied between January and November 2021. This is a big problem for the LSE, which has been trying to attract more companies and boost the city's reputation. Even well-known companies like TUI, ARM, and CRH are considering leaving the London Stock Exchange for alternative listing options, like New York.

Calls for sweeping reforms

The bosses of FTSE 100 companies have been urging the government to take action and fix the declining situation. They argue that it's become a vicious cycle – fewer companies are listing on the LSE, which makes it less attractive for others to join. So, they're calling for sweeping reforms to revitalise London's stock market and make it more appealing for high-profile companies. The fact that only 56 companies have applied to list this year is a clear sign that something needs to change.

This decline in applications and the potential departures of major companies like TUI, ARM, and CRH highlight the urgent need for reforms. London needs to find a way to attract and keep these big players in its stock market. Otherwise, it risks losing out on valuable investment. The LSE and the city as a whole need to make changes and put in efforts to make London's stock market more appealing to companies. It's crucial for London's reputation as a global financial center.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

Act on share opportunities today

Go long or short on thousands of international stocks with spread bets and CFDs.

  • Get full exposure for a comparatively small deposit
  • Trade on spreads from just 0.1%
  • Get greater order book visibility with direct market access

See opportunity on a stock?

Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re on to something.

  • Log in to your demo
  • Take your position
  • See whether your hunch pays off

See opportunity on a stock?

Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.

  • Trade a huge range of popular stocks
  • Analyse and deal seamlessly on fast, intuitive charts
  • See and react to breaking news in-platform

See opportunity on a stock?

Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take advantage while conditions prevail.

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Equities
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities
website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

" >


Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Sunday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.


For more info on how we might use your data, see our privacy notice and access policy and privacy webpage.

You might be interested in…

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of spread betting and CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.