24 Apr 2026

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points during the past week, taking it to 4.50% in response to rising inflation linked to escalating fuel costs. The move came despite concerns over economic growth, with inflation projected at 6.3% for the year. Policymakers signalled that further rate hikes remain under consideration, marking a shift away from the earlier easing stance. The decision followed mixed market expectations and reflects growing risks to the fuel-import-dependent economy. External agencies, including S&P Global and Fitch Ratings, have also revised the country’s outlook amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting energy prices and macroeconomic stability.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Netflix authorised an additional USD 25 billion share repurchase programme during the past week, signalling a renewed focus on capital returns after withdrawing from a proposed USD 72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery assets. The programme has no expiry and builds on an earlier buyback plan, under which USD 6.8 billion remained unutilised as of the previous month. The move comes alongside a series of strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, price revisions, and expansion into gaming. Analysts expect the company to prioritise growth areas such as advertising and live content, as it balances shareholder returns with continued investment in content and platform expansion.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, taking its total order to 26 planes scheduled for delivery from 2028. The move supports the airline’s plans to expand long-haul routes across Africa, the U.S., Europe and Asia, while also exploring new destinations such as Australia. Alongside fleet expansion, the airline is progressing with a USD 12.5 billion airport project in Bishoftu, expected to be Africa’s largest by 2030. The project has drawn interest from global lenders, including strong participation signals from U.S. financial institutions.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd has announced a series of acquisitions to consolidate gold assets in northern Finland, including deals to acquire Rupert Resources Ltd and Aurion Resources Ltd, along with a majority stake in a joint venture from B2Gold Corp. The transactions, valued at over USD 2.9 billion combined, will give the company control over a large land package in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. The consolidation is expected to create operational synergies and strengthen its position around the Kittila mine and the Ikkari gold project, enhancing long-term production potential in one of Europe’s key mining regions.Read more

24 Apr 2026

State Council of China has outlined plans to expand the country’s services sector to 100 trillion yuan (USD 14.67 trillion) by 2030, focusing on demand-led growth, technology integration, and regulatory reforms. The policy emphasises strengthening business and consumer services while increasing financial support mechanisms, including wider adoption of services-sector REITs. With the sector already reaching 80.89 trillion yuan in the previous year, the move signals a strategic shift towards consumption-driven growth and reduced reliance on infrastructure-led expansion.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Consolidated Grunenfelder Saady Holding (CGS) has secured a new project award from S2 Company for the management and development of land and real estate assets. The contract, valued at EUR 6.8 million, marks another addition to CGS’s project portfolio in the real estate segment. While detailed scope and timelines have not been disclosed, such mandates typically involve planning, execution and asset optimisation. The deal reflects continued activity in land development partnerships and highlights the role of specialised firms in managing real estate assets efficiently across markets.Read more

24 Apr 2026

British Land has increased its earnings guidance after strong demand for office space from artificial intelligence and technology firms boosted rental growth across its London campuses. Leasing activity from companies such as Anthropic and the presence of global players like OpenAI have supported occupancy and pricing, offsetting weaker demand from traditional office users. The company also reported improved occupancy levels and steady performance across its key office assets. However, growth in retail and logistics segments has moderated compared to last year. The revised outlook reflects continued momentum in London’s emerging technology-driven office market.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Australian equities closed largely unchanged as investors remained cautious amid uncertainty surrounding potential US-Iran peace talks. The benchmark index moved within a narrow range, reflecting subdued sentiment. Mining stocks saw slight declines, although Rio Tinto recorded gains after reporting improved iron ore sales and copper output. Energy and financial stocks also slipped, while technology and real estate sectors continued their recovery after earlier losses this year. In New Zealand, inflation remained steady at 3.1% in the first quarter, staying above the central bank’s target range and adding to regional economic concerns.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Keppel Infrastructure Trust has increased the limit of its multi-currency debt issuance programme to strengthen its funding flexibility. The revised cap now stands at USD 2.36 billion, up from the earlier limit, enabling the trust to raise capital through notes and perpetual securities in multiple currencies. The move is aimed at supporting acquisitions, refinancing existing borrowings, and funding asset improvements. The programme is being managed with the support of major Singapore-based banks acting as arrangers and dealers, indicating continued institutional backing for the trust’s financing strategy.Read more

24 Apr 2026

New Zealand’s inflation remained steady at 3.1% in the first quarter, staying above the central bank’s target and coming in higher than expected. A stronger-than-forecast quarterly rise in consumer prices has increased the likelihood of a rate hike in the coming months. Electricity prices were the biggest contributor to inflation, while financial markets reacted with a rise in the New Zealand dollar and swap rates. Despite rising fuel costs linked to global tensions, a business survey indicated that overall inflation pressures across firms remain contained for now.Read more