Australian companies race to raise capital, share placements top $6 billion

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Australian companies have raised more than A$10 billion ($6.29 billion), the second highest on record, from selling new shares this year as they rush to raise funds as a buffer against the economic downturn triggered by the new coronavirus.It makes Australia the most active capital market in the Asian region so far this year excluding China.Refinitiv data on Australian equity capital market activity since the start of 2020 shows 152 deals worth A$10.26 billion, surpassed..