14 Jan 2026

Stegra has secured its first customer for non-prime steel from its hydrogen-based steel plant in northern Sweden, marking an early commercial milestone ahead of production. The Swedish startup has signed an agreement with Thyssenkrupp Materials Processing Europe to supply significant volumes from 2027, supporting the ramp-up of operations. Non-prime steel, while not used for high-spec applications, remains suitable for many industrial needs and helps ensure stable plant output. The deal comes as Stegra prepares for a delayed start and continues financing talks to complete the project. Built on low-carbon hydrogen technology, the plant is central to Sweden's push to lead Europe's green industrial transition.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Sunway Group has announced a takeover bid for Malaysian construction and property major IJM Corp, valuing the deal at about 11 billion ringgit. The move aims to create a larger, stronger group as demand grows for scale, funding strength, and specialised skills in infrastructure and real estate projects. Sunway expects benefits such as cost savings, smoother operations, and improved financial capacity. The combined entity would have assets of nearly 58 billion ringgit, placing it among Malaysia's biggest property and construction players. IJM shareholders are being offered a mix of cash and Sunway shares at a premium, with the transaction targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2026.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Sansaar, the premium home furnishings brand from D'Decor Exports, has entered the GCC market with its first international launch in Dubai through a strategic partnership with Bru Textile's Fabric Library. The move places Sansaar in a high-growth region known for luxury real estate, hospitality, and design-led developments. Operating through a B2B distribution model, the brand will supply curated fabric collections for premium residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the Gulf. Backed by D'Decor's large-scale manufacturing and Fabric Library's strong regional network, Sansaar aims to meet growing demand for high-quality, design-focused interior solutions. The launch marks a key milestone in the brand's global expansion and highlights rising opportunities in real estate-driven interiors markets.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Google has announced plans to expand shopping features within its AI chatbot Gemini, turning it into a virtual shopping assistant and checkout platform. Partnering with retailers such as Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, Gemini will allow users to search for products, get personalised recommendations, and complete purchases without leaving the chat interface. Linked accounts will enable tailored suggestions based on past shopping behaviour, while instant checkout will support card payments and soon PayPal. The feature will launch initially in the US, with global rollout planned. The move highlights growing competition among tech and retail giants to use AI to simplify online shopping and reshape digital commerce experiences.Read more

12 Jan 2026

China Vanke is preparing a debt restructuring plan at the request of Chinese authorities, according to a Bloomberg News report, signalling rising default risks. Regulators have asked the developer to fast-track the overhaul and submit its proposal soon. While Reuters could not independently verify the report and the company has not commented, the move marks a critical moment for one of the few major developers yet to default. Recently, Vanke also secured agreements with domestic banks to defer loan interest payments until September, underscoring mounting liquidity stress.Read more

12 Jan 2026

Inmocemento SA's subsidiary CPV has entered into an agreement to sell its Keystone Cement business to Titan America for USD 310 million. The deal is expected to result in a cash inflow of about USD 123 million and an estimated capital gain of nearly USD 64 million for CPV. Keystone Cement operates in the US market, where consolidation among cement producers has been increasing. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.Read more

12 Jan 2026

Shares of US mortgage lenders jumped sharply after President Donald Trump announced plans for the government to buy USD 200 billion worth of mortgage-backed bonds to ease housing affordability pressures. The move aims to lower mortgage rates and monthly payments at a time when high borrowing costs and elevated home prices have kept buyers on the sidelines. Companies including loanDepot, Rocket Companies, UWM Holdings and Opendoor Technologies saw strong premarket gains following the announcement. The bond purchases are expected to be executed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-backed mortgage finance giants. Investors welcomed the policy signal, viewing it as a potential catalyst for reviving mortgage volumes after a prolonged slowdown in the US housing market.Read more

12 Jan 2026

Mackenzie Realty Capital Inc has announced the formation of Mackenzie Apartment Communities, Inc as an independent, stand-alone company. The move separates the firm's apartment-focused business from its broader real estate operations, allowing dedicated management and clearer performance tracking. Apartments have been a key part of Mackenzie Realty's portfolio, especially as rental housing demand remains steady across several markets. The decision reflects a wider industry trend of creating specialised platforms to improve focus and transparency. No financial terms or asset-level changes were disclosed with the announcement.Read more

10 Jan 2026

Dubai's record-breaking real estate performance in 2025 is increasingly being viewed as a sign of structural maturity rather than speculative excess. Alongside strong transaction volumes and rising capital gains, the sector has seen a sharp expansion in the number of registered agencies and brokers, pointing to a deeper and more competitive marketplace. Luxury developers note that this evolution is reshaping buyer behaviour, with greater emphasis on credibility, quality and long-term value rather than short-term price momentum. As competition intensifies, buyers are becoming more selective, rewarding projects with strong delivery track records and differentiated offerings. Against this backdrop, leading luxury communities are entering their final sales phases, reflecting sustained confidence in Dubai's residential market as it transitions into a more transparent, disciplined and value-driven investment environment.Read more

10 Jan 2026

Kilroy Realty Corporation announced additional leasing activity at its life science campus in South San Francisco, adding 300,000 square feet during 2025 to bring total commitments at Kilroy Oyster Point Phase 2 to 384,000 square feet, roughly 44 percent of the project's space. A major part of this expansion includes a long term, 16.5 year lease by the University of California, San Francisco, for about 280,000 square feet, where UCSF plans to relocate several research groups and establish pathology and genetics operations with occupancy expected in late 2027. A genomic sequencing foundry also leased 20,000 square feet and has already begun occupancy.Read more