15 Apr 2026

Swedish green steel developer Stegra has secured EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in fresh funding from an investor consortium led by the Wallenberg group, providing financial support to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in northern Sweden. The funding, which remains subject to lender approvals and documentation finalisation, comes amid delays and cost pressures affecting green hydrogen-based industrial projects across Europe. The consortium includes Temasek and IMAS Foundation, linked to the IKEA ecosystem. The project timeline remains under review, with production previously expected by 2027. As part of the transaction, investors plan to nominate Leif Johansson as chair of the board. The development highlights continued institutional interest in large-scale decarbonised industrial infrastructure despite execution and financing challenges.Read more

15 Apr 2026

International Monetary Fund has projected India's GDP growth at 6.5% for both 2026 and 2027, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The estimate, published in its latest World Economic Outlook, reflects an upward revision driven by strong economic momentum from 2025 and a reduction in additional US tariffs on Indian goods. These factors are expected to offset the adverse impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, global growth is projected to moderate to 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, compared to 3.4% in 2025. The outlook indicates a stable growth trajectory for India within a gradually slowing global economy.Read more

15 Apr 2026

China Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including misuse of funds and fundraising fraud, in a Shenzhen court. The case follows Evergrande's 2021 default on over USD 300 billion in liabilities, highlighting ongoing challenges in China's property sector. Authorities had earlier fined Hui and barred him from the securities market for life over financial misconduct. Additional charges against him and the company include illegal lending, fraudulent securities issuance and bribery. Verdicts are pending, as the case continues to draw attention to the broader impact of the real estate crisis on China's economy.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Over 1,000 workers protested in Haiti's capital, demanding a higher minimum wage amid rising fuel prices and living costs. Employees said wages have remained unchanged since 2023, while recent hikes in diesel and gasoline prices have sharply reduced purchasing power. Many workers are struggling to afford transport and basic necessities, with some forced to walk long distances to work. The protest also drew participation from informal workers facing unstable incomes. Ongoing inflation, transport challenges and economic pressures continue to impact daily life, with workers calling for urgent government action to address wages and working conditions.Read more

14 Apr 2026

Asian stock markets traded higher, tracking gains on Wall Street, as optimism grew over possible US-Iran talks to ease West Asia tensions. Key indices in Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong posted gains, reflecting improved investor sentiment. Oil prices declined after recent spikes, with Brent crude falling below USD 100 per barrel amid hopes of reduced supply risks. However, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to raise concerns around energy costs and inflation. Gold and silver prices edged higher, while the US dollar weakened slightly. Overall, markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and global economic signals.Read more

14 Apr 2026

The global luxury watch industry is facing uncertainty as geopolitical tensions and economic pressures impact demand, coinciding with the Watches and Wonders event in Geneva. Rising raw material costs, supply chain disruptions and tariffs are affecting production and trade. Exports are expected to decline, while reduced tourist inflows have impacted retail sales in key markets like Dubai. Despite stable domestic demand in some regions, inflation concerns and currency strength continue to weigh on growth. Leading brands still dominate the market, with premium watches gaining share. As the sector navigates these challenges, the Geneva fair remains a key platform for industry launches and partnerships.Read more

14 Apr 2026

National Healthcare Properties has outlined plans to achieve a valuation of approximately USD 1.1 billion through its proposed initial public offering in the United States, aiming to raise up to USD 616 million by offering 38.5 million shares. The New York-based real estate investment trust focuses on senior housing and outpatient medical assets and seeks to capitalise on demand driven by an ageing population. The offering follows recent activity in the healthcare REIT segment, where investor appetite has strengthened amid market volatility. The company's portfolio spans 37 senior housing communities and 130 outpatient facilities, positioning it within a sector increasingly viewed as defensive within global real estate markets.Read more

14 Apr 2026

Existing home sales in the United States declined to a nine-month low in March, falling 3.6% to an annualised rate of 3.98 million units, according to industry data. The slowdown reflects persistent supply shortages, elevated mortgage rates, and concerns around labour market conditions. Despite a modest rise in housing inventory to 1.36 million units, levels remain below historical norms. Median home prices increased to USD 408,800, marking a year-on-year rise, while affordability weakened. Market conditions have also been influenced by geopolitical tensions, which have pushed up borrowing costs. The data indicates a cautious outlook for residential transactions, with growth projections for the year revised downwards.Read more

14 Apr 2026

A Beijing court has directed the bankruptcy liquidation of Zhongzhi Enterprise Group and 316 affiliated entities, consolidating their assets and liabilities into a single pool as part of insolvency proceedings. Creditors have been asked to submit claims by early June through the appointed administrator. The move follows Zhongzhi's earlier bankruptcy filing amid mounting stress linked to China's property sector downturn. The group, once a significant participant in the country's shadow banking system, had notable exposure to real estate financing. The development underscores the continued spillover of property sector distress into broader financial markets, raising concerns around systemic risk and investor exposure in China's alternative lending ecosystem.Read more

14 Apr 2026

Global finance leaders are meeting at the IMF and World Bank spring sessions amid rising concerns over the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The institutions are expected to lower global growth forecasts and raise inflation estimates, with emerging economies facing the greatest pressure. Growth projections for developing markets have already been revised downward, while inflation is set to rise further under prolonged disruption. The crisis could also increase food insecurity and strain global supply chains. With high debt levels and limited fiscal space, countries may require significant financial support as policymakers focus on stabilising economies and managing inflation risks.Read more