Equity Financing Doubles in First Half
Japanese companies made extensive use of the capital markets in the first half of 2006. Equity financing (funds procurement that included new stock issues) totaled Y2.52 trillion yen compared with Y1.3 trillion a year earlier. It was the highest level of equity financing since 1996. The strong activity reflects the many companies looking to boost medium-term growth through purchase of new equipment, M&A, and other activities.