8 hours ago

Dubais real estate market saw strong growth in Q1 2026, with 47,996 property transactions worth AED176.7 billion, reflecting rising investor demand. The off-plan segment dominated activity, contributing around 70% of total deals, supported by new project launches. Apartments led in volume, while villas recorded significant value growth and rising prices. Commercial and mortgage transactions also increased, indicating higher investment activity. Key areas such as Dubai South and Al Barsha South saw high traction. Despite a dip in plot prices, the market remains driven by new supply, strong buyer interest and confidence in Dubai's real estate fundamentals.Read more

10 hours ago

British utility SSE has revised its annual earnings outlook upward by increasing the lower end of its guidance, supported by stronger renewable energy generation and higher investment in regulated networks. The company expects renewable output to grow significantly in the current fiscal year, backed by new capacity additions. Its large-scale five-year investment plan continues to focus on expanding renewable assets and upgrading the UK's ageing power grid. Despite rising global energy prices due to tensions in the Middle East, SSE has not seen any immediate operational impact, citing the resilience of its diversified business model.Read more

12 hours ago

Vietnam is preparing a set of measures to support its stock market after a sharp decline triggered by global tensions linked to the Iran war. Proposals include creating a government-backed stabilisation fund, easing share buybacks, tightening trading limits and using influencers to improve investor sentiment. Authorities have been asked to act on these recommendations, though the extent of implementation is unclear. The move also aims to secure an upgrade by FTSE Russell and support the real estate sector. Regional peers are taking similar steps as market volatility and currency pressures continue to impact Asian economies.Read more

04 Apr 2026

Danube Properties has launched Greenz, a master-planned residential community in Dubai International Academic City, marking its entry into large-scale integrated developments. The project will feature villas and townhouses, with completion expected in 36-40 months and handover targeted by the end of 2029. Located near Dubai Silicon Oasis, the site lies within a high-growth corridor supported by planned infrastructure such as the District IO technology hub and the upcoming Blue Line Metro. The development will offer over 50 amenities and a mix of three- to five-bedroom configurations. With prices starting from AED 3.5 million, the project is positioned to attract both end-users and investors in Dubai's expanding suburban residential market.Read more

03 Apr 2026

Canada's major banks have a combined exposure of around CAD 880 million (USD 634.33 million) to non-prime lender goeasy, as per TD Cowen analysts. The company recently withdrew its financial forecast, reduced its dividend and reported losses linked to weaknesses in its loan book, particularly in auto and vehicle financing. Despite this, analysts believe the exposure does not pose a significant risk to banks, as their lending is directed at the company and not its borrowers. Goeasy has also secured temporary relief on loan covenants and continues to access funding through structured facilities.Read more

03 Apr 2026

Hong Kong's Grade-A office market in Central is showing signs of stabilisation after nearly seven years of decline, supported by strong capital market activity and rising demand from financial and Chinese firms. A surge in IPO fundraising over the past year has driven both leasing and investment activity in prime office towers. While rents and prices have begun to improve, the recovery remains limited to select high-quality assets. Oversupply in other districts continues to weigh on the broader market, even as vacancy rates in Central gradually improve and investor confidence returns.Read more

03 Apr 2026

Hillhouse Investment Management has set up a new office in Abu Dhabi's financial centre, continuing its expansion despite ongoing conflict in the region. The move comes as businesses face disruptions due to geopolitical tensions following coordinated strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions across Gulf countries. The United Arab Emirates continues to attract global firms due to its tax-friendly policies and business environment. Abu Dhabi Global Market has seen strong growth in assets under management and active licences. Hillhouse, with over USD 100 billion in assets, is also expanding its presence across private equity, real estate and private credit.Read more

03 Apr 2026

Rightmove, the UK's leading property portal, is facing a USD 2 billion lawsuit filed by estate agents, accusing it of abusing its market dominance through high subscription fees. Led by Jeremy Newman and supported by over 250 agencies, the claim has drawn attention as shares fell nearly 9%. The portal has rejected the allegations, citing the value it offers to partners and consumers. The legal action is backed by Innsworth Capital with support from Scott+Scott UK LLP. Market challenges and global conflicts have intensified pressures on the UK property sector.Read more

03 Apr 2026

U.S. mortgage rates have risen to 6.57%, the highest since August, largely due to inflation fears fueled by the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran and rising oil prices. Refinancing applications dropped 17.3%, while home purchase applications fell 2.6%. The 10-year Treasury yield, which heavily influences mortgage rates, climbed as the Middle East tensions disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, pushing global crude prices above USD 118 per barrel. Economists note that although a buyer's market is easing some pressure, overall economic uncertainty is affecting buyer confidence.Read more

03 Apr 2026

China's new home prices in 100 cities saw a slight month-on-month increase in March, reversing the small decline in February, driven by seasonal demand in major cities. Higher-quality projects in core cities supported a modest recovery in sales, though analysts warn that weak employment and elevated inventory continue to weigh on market sentiment. The prolonged property downturn, triggered by government borrowing curbs since 2020, has strained developer liquidity. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and a potential shift toward second-hand homes add uncertainty to the sustainability of this recovery.Read more