Abstract. Conducting an initial public offering (IPO) during the COVID-19 pandemic is not easy due to the current high level of economic uncertainty. This study aims to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the initial return on IPO shares in Indonesia. In the study, a cross-sectional regression was applied, using a sample of 51 companies that conduct IPOs. It was found that the fear index over the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the initial return. The higher the fear index, the lower the return on IPO stocks on the first listing day. The results therefore demonstrates that the fear of COVID-19 influenced the IPO market return in Indonesia. This study extends the literature on the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the initial return on IPOs. Practically, this research also provides insight into the issuers regarding the appropriate timing of IPOs during the crisis, particularly for investors who wish to buy IPO shares during an uncertain time. Policymakers are expected to mitigate the cases and deaths of COVID-19 in Indonesia, which may reduce investors’ fear related to COVID-19. This paper's limitation is that it only examines data from 2020, as this was the year in which COVID-19 first announced. Future research could include the short-term and long-term performance of IPOs, and also broaden the sample area to a larger region. Keywords: Initial return, IPO, COVID-19, fear index, Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the fear index and initial public offering (IPO) aftermarket liquidity in ASEAN during the bearish time, the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study uses random effect panel regression analysis using two proxies of IPO aftermarket liquidity, namely, volume and turnover, on data of 90 IPO companies in the ASEAN-5 countries over four study periods: 30, 60, 90 and 100 days, after their IPOs. Findings The results indicate that the COVID-19 fear index significantly affects liquidity for all periods. The fear index decreases the stock aftermarket liquidity of ASEAN-5 IPO companies. The findings are consistent with additional tests. Originality/value This study initiates research during the COVID-19 pandemic in ASEAN-5 countries. Furthermore, while the other studies examine the stock performance of existing listed companies, this study focuses exclusively on the liquidity of companies that went public through IPOs in 2020.