23 Sep 2025

Compass, the largest U.S. residential real estate broker, has announced plans to acquire Anywhere Real Estate in an all-stock deal valued at USD 4.2 billion. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2026, will significantly expand Compass' revenue by adding Anywhere's franchise, title, escrow, and relocation businesses. Anywhere shareholders will receive USD 13.01 per share, an 84% premium to its last close, while its stock surged nearly 49% following the news. The combined entity is projected to have an enterprise value of about USD 10 billion, including debt.Read more

22 Sep 2025

Dubai's rental market is seeing a major shift, with long-term agreements rising 17.3% year-on-year, according to Colife Dubai. Families, students, and expats are driving demand for stable housing, locking in yearly leases to save on rising rents-such as AED 14,999 per month for a two-bedroom in Dubai Marina versus AED 16,499 on short-term stays. September offers tenants wider choice and better deals before competition spikes in October and November. Popular long-term hubs include Dubai Marina, Downtown, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills, and Al Barsha. With rental yields averaging 7-12%, the trend benefits both tenants seeking security and investors seeking reliable returns.Read more

22 Sep 2025

Hong Kong is preparing for the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, with a 36-hour suspension of passenger flights at Hong Kong International Airport beginning Tuesday evening. The observatory has raised warning signals and forecast gale to hurricane-force winds, along with heavy rain and storm surges. Residents have rushed to stock up on food and household items, leading to shortages and higher prices in some areas. Airlines including Qantas and Cathay Pacific are adjusting operations, while in the Philippines, authorities have already halted work and classes as the typhoon nears northern Luzon.Read more

22 Sep 2025

Single-family housing starts in the U.S. dropped to their lowest in about two and a half years in August, mainly because of an overhang of unsold homes. The Commerce Department reported declines in both new construction and future building permits, with the South showing the steepest fall. While mortgage rates have eased recently and the Federal Reserve has started cutting interest rates again, economists believe these measures may not be enough as weak job growth and rising unemployment weigh on homebuyer demand. Builders are now focusing on clearing inventory through price cuts and incentives.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Hong Kong has lowered the minimum qualifying amount for residential property purchases under its New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme from HKD 50 million to HKD 30 million (USD 3.9 million). The move aims to revive the city's struggling housing market, where prices remain near their lowest since 2016. Applicants must still meet the HKD 30 million total investment threshold, with only up to HKD 10 million allowed in residential property, the rest in financial assets. While the change may attract some high-net-worth investors to luxury homes, analysts warn that oversupply and weak economic conditions will limit impact, requiring broader demand-boosting measures.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Longi Green Energy has urged tougher checks to control declining standards in China's solar sector, saying that excess competition and too many players have weakened product quality in the past two to three years. Chairman Zhong Baoshen raised this concern at a major industry forum in Beijing, soon after President Xi Jinping pressed for the removal of outdated capacity and a reduction in harmful price competition. Longi itself reported a revenue fall of 36 percent and a net loss last year, and is now betting on newer BC and HPBC products to restore competitiveness.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Foxconn Interconnect Technology will begin building its first Middle East manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia this December through its joint venture Smart Mobility, formed with Saleh Suleiman Alrajhi & Sons. The plant will produce EV chargers, with commercial production set for 2026. The venture supports Saudi Arabia's plan to have 30 percent of its cars electrified by 2030. FIT has expanded in EV connectivity by acquiring Germany';s Prettl SWH group in 2023 and Auto-Kabel Group in 2024. Its auto mobility division is projected to generate USD 700 million in revenue this year.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Aena, Spain's airport operator, has announced plans to invest EUR 12.88 billion (USD 15.24 billion) between 2027 and 2031 to upgrade airport terminals. Chief Executive Maurici Lucena explained that Madrid and Barcelona airports are already nearing full capacity, highlighting the need for new investment to address congestion. The operator had previously allocated EUR 3.54 billion in the last four-year plan, making this a substantial rise. The new investments will fall under Aena's regulatory framework DORA III and are expected to strengthen Spain's two busiest airports while modernising the overall passenger infrastructure.Read more

20 Sep 2025

Sri Lanka has restarted the stalled 38-km Central Expressway connecting Colombo and Kandy with a new USD 500 million Chinese loan, marking the first funding from China since the country's 2021 debt default. Launched in 2016, the project was suspended in 2023 due to financial and material shortages, with one-third completed at the time. The government aims to finish the highway by 2028, which will improve connectivity and support economic activity. The funding comes on concessionary terms, amid Sri Lanka's ongoing debt restructuring and the competition between China and India for regional influence.Read more

20 Sep 2025

Rithm Capital has agreed to acquire Paramount Group for USD 1.6 billion, betting on a rebound in U.S. office real estate. The acquisition values Paramount at USD 6.60 per share, offering a 10.7% discount from its prior close. The company plans to fund the deal through cash, balance sheet liquidity, and potential co-investor contributions. Paramount's portfolio, spanning over 13.1 million square feet across New York and San Francisco, is about 85% leased. Analysts see the move as timely amid improving office fundamentals and a potential return-to-office trend.Read more