17 Apr 2025

China recorded a 12.4% surge in exports in March 2025, as exporters rushed to beat a 145% US tariff on Chinese goods. Imports dropped 4.3%, highlighting weak domestic demand. The country's Q1 trade surplus with the US reached USD 76.6 billion. The rise in shipments, though sharp, is seen as temporary amid ongoing US-China tensions. China is diversifying its export markets across Asia and Africa to offset potential losses. While the global supply chain faces pressure, Southeast Asian economies may see short-term trade gains. Analysts warn of inflationary risks ahead as trade patterns shift and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.Read more

17 Apr 2025

Britain's housing-market weakened in March as tax-incentives ended and economic concerns grew, according to a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey. New buyer enquiries dropped to a net balance of -32, the lowest since September 2023, down from -16 in February. Agreed home sales also declined. The end of the stamp duty break and negative global developments, including potential trade tensions from U.S. tariffs, worsened sentiment. RICS' house price balance fell to +2, the weakest since August 2024, missing forecasts of +8. While prices may decline short-term, surveyors expect modest growth over the next year despite market uncertainty.Read more

17 Apr 2025

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is reportedly exploring the purchase of a stake in Kering's luxury property on Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, which was acquired by the French fashion giant less than a year ago for EUR 1.3 billion. The move comes amid mounting financial pressure on Kering, primarily due to falling sales at Gucci. Kering recently executed a similar transaction with Ardian involving Paris real estate to reduce its debt, which now exceeds EUR 10.5 billion. While Kering declined to comment and QIA was unreachable, Kering's shares surged following relief from U.S. tariffs, potentially boosting investor sentiment.Read more

16 Apr 2025

In 2024, U.S. citizens emerged as the highest-paying foreign buyers of Spanish property, driven by a strong dollar and political concerns. Their purchases, four times higher than five years ago, focused on central and northern Spain. Americans paid an average of EUR 3,390 (USD 3,732) per square metre, nearly 30% more than British buyers. Foreigners made up 20% of all home purchases, contributing to Spain's housing crisis. The government has proposed taxing non-EU buyers and ended its 'golden visa' scheme. However, demand from Americans-especially those of Latin American heritage-remains strong due to cultural ties and perceived investment value.Read more

16 Apr 2025

Country Garden recently secured support from a key bondholder group for its offshore debt restructuring plan, aiming to reduce its USD 14.1 billion debt by 78%. The agreement includes options such as extended maturities and new debt instruments. Chairperson Yang Huiyan will convert her USD 1.15 billion loan into equity and invest an additional USD 50 million. The company has set deadlines in May for other creditors to join the plan, offering incentives for early agreement. This move comes as Country Garden prepares for a critical court hearing in Hong Kong regarding a liquidation petitionRead more

16 Apr 2025

Singapore has lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 0-2%, down from an earlier 1-3%, due to global economic uncertainty and trade disruptions stemming from the US-China tariff standoff. The Ministry of Trade and Industry cited weakened export demand and falling business confidence, while the central bank eased monetary policy for the second time, reflecting lower inflation and economic activity. First-quarter growth slowed to 3.8%, with a 0.8% contraction from the previous quarter. As global trade weakens, export-reliant nations like Singapore brace for reduced manufacturing output, delayed investments, and wider regional impact on economies like Malaysia and South Korea.Read more

15 Apr 2025

Lego has officially launched a USD 1 billion manufacturing facility in Vietnam's Binh Duong province as part of its strategic push to strengthen its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. The new plant, Lego's first carbon-neutral factory and sixth globally, is expected to support rising demand from fast-growing Asian markets like India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Australia. With plans to run the factory entirely on renewable energy by early 2026 and a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, the company is aligning its expansion with sustainability goals. The move is also expected to generate over 4,000 local jobs.Read more

14 Apr 2025

According to data from the Commerce Department's Census Bureau, private home prices in the UK fell by 0.5 percent in March 2025 from February, despite an annual rise of 2.8 percent compared with March 2024. The decline follows a revised decrease of 0.2 percent in February, after easing mortgage rates boosted single-family homebuilding. However, uncertainty over tariffs and economic conditions continues to challenge the market. Industry experts, including Amanda Bryden of Halifax, note that although buyer demand is returning to normal levels, further improvement depends on additional base rate cuts and stabilisation in market conditions.Read more

14 Apr 2025

The average US-rate on a 30-year mortgage dipped to 6.64%, down slightly from 6.65% last week, providing a small boost to spring-homebuyers. A year ago, the rate was 6.82%. Mortgage-rates have generally declined since surpassing 7% in mid-January, increasing buyers' purchasing-power. The 15-year fixed rate also fell to 5.82% from 5.89%. Rates follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which dropped to 4.06% amid economic-concerns and tariffs. While lower rates could spur home-sales, economic uncertainty remains. Home-sales rose in February but remain down year-over-year. Rising home prices pushed monthly payments to a record USD 2,802.Read more

14 Apr 2025

Blackstone has closed a EUR 9.8 billion (USD 10.8 billion) European property fund-its largest-ever for the region-signaling strong investor confidence despite ongoing market volatility. Launched in February 2023, the Europe Real Estate Partners VII fund positions Blackstone to pursue high-potential, value-driven investments amid early signs of a market rebound. The firm sees the current landscape as favorable for selective, long-term opportunities. With USD 47 billion raised globally across its opportunistic platform, Blackstone continues to lead in alternative real estate investments. The fund's success reflects the firm's track record and strategy, focusing on turnaround assets across sectors like logistics, hospitality, and residential.Read more