IPOX® Associate Muehlbauer noted in Reuters coverage that some companies previously considering a traditional IPO may now look to SPAC mergers as mega-IPOs compete for investor attention. He said existing SPAC vehicles still need to complete transactions before liquidation, leaving capital actively seeking deals. Reuters highlighted renewed SPAC activity and rising issuance, while IPOX® data show the IPOX® SPAC Index outperforming the S&P 500 year to date, up 16.43% versus 9.73% amid a more favorable public-market backdrop for new listings.

In a First Trust webinar, IPOX® CEO Dr. Josef Schuster discussed the SpaceX IPO, strong new-listings activity, and IPOX®’s data-driven approach to tracking IPOs, spin-offs, de-SPACs, REITs, and select IPO M&A. Schuster addressed SpaceX’s expected low float, aftermarket risks, and broader opportunities across the IPO market. The webinar also highlighted the IPOX® 100 U.S. Index, its 20-year live track record, and its role as the underlying index for the First Trust US Equity Opportunity Index (Ticker FPX) today.

IPOX® Associate Muehlbauer commented in Reuters on Doncasters’ planned U.S. IPO, as the aerospace parts maker targets a valuation of up to $4.43 billion and seeks to raise as much as $746.7 million. Muehlbauer noted that aerospace and defense sector momentum could support strong pricing, especially for companies showing demand through government contracts, long-term agreements and backlogs. He also cautioned that investors will focus on whether Doncasters’ capacity investments can translate into profits as it remains loss-making during expansion.

IPOX® CEO Josef Schuster was featured in Nikkei, commenting on SpaceX’s Nasdaq debut and its implications for future large IPOs. Schuster said the strong post-listing performance reflected robust demand and highlighted the depth of U.S. capital markets. The article also cited Jay Ritter, who cautioned that SpaceX’s high price-to-sales ratio and speculative growth areas could create downside risk. Schuster noted that news may drive shares short term, while fundamentals will become more important after earnings reports for investors and markets.

IPOX® Associate Lukas Muehlbauer was cited by Reuters on Kardigan’s planned U.S. IPO, which targets a valuation of up to $1.4 billion and aims to raise as much as $373.3 million. Muehlbauer noted a “clear uptick in biotech IPOs” and said healthcare IPO activity has already surpassed last year’s deal flow, signaling an open window for the sector. He also cautioned that investors remain selective, favoring companies with clinical progress and clearer paths to FDA approval.