06 Jan 2026

Minto Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust has agreed to be taken private in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately USD 2.3 billion, including debt. The acquisition will be carried out by an affiliate of Crestpoint Real Estate Investments along with an affiliate of Minto Group, the REIT's parent. Under the deal, unitholders will receive USD 18 per unit in cash, representing a 32 percent premium to the REIT's last closing price. The transaction has received unanimous approval from the board and an independent committee, with unitholder approval expected in March 2026. The deal is targeted for completion in the second half of 2026.Read more

05 Jan 2026

Saudi Arabia has approved its 2026 borrowing plan with total financing needs of USD 57.86 billion, aimed at covering a projected fiscal deficit and upcoming debt repayments. The plan supports the next stage of Vision 2030, which focuses on strengthening the impact of earlier reforms. Funding will come from a mix of domestic and international debt markets, alongside a larger contribution from private financing. The government is also realigning investments away from delayed real estate projects toward logistics and religious tourism.Read more

05 Jan 2026

Hong Kong's retail sales grew 6.5% year-on-year in November, extending gains for the seventh straight month as consumer sentiment and tourism activity continued to recover. Total sales reached HKD 33.7 billion, or about USD 4.33 billion, while volume growth stood at 4.4%. Visitor arrivals rose sharply, led by travellers from mainland China, supporting demand in key retail segments. However, cumulative figures for the first 11 months of 2025 showed only marginal value growth and a decline in volume, indicating a gradual and uneven recovery.Read more

05 Jan 2026

Luxury retailer Saks Global has announced that chief executive officer Marc Metrick has stepped down, with Executive Chairman Richard Baker taking over the role, as reports suggest the company is preparing for bankruptcy. The leadership change follows recent concerns over missed interest payments linked to debt from the Neiman Marcus merger. Saks Global, formed after Hudson's Bay Company combined Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, has faced challenges from uneven luxury demand and intense competition. Analysts say the merger has struggled to deliver expected benefits, with luxury shoppers increasingly shifting to rival department stores and brand-owned outlets.Read more

05 Jan 2026

China Vanke is seeking a one-year extension to the put date of a 1.1 billion yuan bond, equivalent to about USD 157.19 million, whose put option is scheduled for January 22, 2026. The company has also proposed extending the bond's grace period to 30 trading days. The request reflects ongoing efforts by the developer to manage liquidity and near-term debt obligations amid a prolonged slowdown in China's property sector and continued pressure on developer balance sheets.Read more

04 Jan 2026

Sixteen-year-old Italian international golfer Emanuele Galeppini has been identified as the first confirmed Italian victim of the deadly New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. Galeppini, who lived in Dubai, was in the town with his family and had visited the Constellation bar with friends when the fire broke out. Swiss authorities say around 40 people lost their lives and more than 110 were injured, though identification is ongoing due to severe burn damage. Italian officials reported several citizens missing or hospitalised. The Italian Golf Federation paid tribute to Galeppini, remembering him as a talented young athlete with strong values.Read more

04 Jan 2026

Axis Real Estate Investment Trust has proposed acquiring a property in Johor for a total cash consideration of MYR 34.6 million. The move aligns with the trust's strategy of expanding its industrial and logistics-focused portfolio in high-demand regions. Johor continues to attract investor interest due to its strategic location and strong occupier demand. Axis-REIT has a track record of acquiring income-generating industrial assets across Malaysia to support stable returns. Details on the property's yield and tenancy are expected to be disclosed following completion of the transaction.Read more

04 Jan 2026

U.S. home prices rose at the slowest annual rate since 2012 in October, reflecting improved affordability in a market that has struggled with high costs for years. Government data showed a 1.7% year-on-year increase, with regional variations ranging from a 0.7% drop in the lower Midwest to a 5.3% rise in the Mid-Atlantic. Monthly prices increased 0.4%, following a slight fall in September. This growth is modest compared to post-pandemic spikes, indicating a more stable market and easing pressure on prospective buyers.Read more

03 Jan 2026

British house prices slipped unexpectedly in December, falling 0.4% and ending 2025 just 0.6% higher than a year earlier, marking the weakest annual growth since April 2024. The slowdown reflects a softer end to the year and stronger price gains seen in late 2024. Despite this, mortgage approvals remained steady, close to pre-pandemic levels. Easing mortgage rates and slower price growth compared to wages have helped improve affordability and support buyer demand. The average home price stood at about USD 367,560, with wide regional differences. London prices edged up slightly, while Northern Ireland recorded the strongest growth. Economists expect modest price recovery in 2026.Read more

03 Jan 2026

Hong Kong's anti-graft watchdog has arrested 21 people in connection with suspected corruption linked to renovation work at two residential housing estates. The action comes amid a wider crackdown on the construction and renovation sector following a deadly fire in November that raised serious safety concerns. The Independent Commission Against Corruption said those arrested include middlemen, contractors, consultants, and members of owners associations. In one case, bribes were allegedly paid to secure a renovation contract worth about USD 4.24 million. In another, votes were reportedly manipulated to influence future contracts. Authorities say the case highlights the risks corruption poses to building safety and public trust.Read more