21 Apr 2026

Equinor has indicated that its Marketing, Midstream and Processing (MMP) division is expected to report stronger-than-guided earnings for the first quarter. The unit, which includes energy trading operations, is likely to exceed the company's earlier guidance of USD 400 million in adjusted operating profit. The update comes ahead of the company's scheduled earnings announcement on May 6, when investors will assess the impact of tighter crude markets and internal structural changes. Industry trends show that oil price volatility during the quarter supported trading gains across major European energy companies.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Maine has become the first US state to approve a moratorium on large-scale data centres, pausing new developments above 20 megawatts amid rising concerns over energy demand, environmental impact and infrastructure strain. The legislation, passed in the past week, will halt approvals until late 2027 while a state-appointed council evaluates the sector's impact on electricity grids, water usage and local communities. The move comes as AI-led demand accelerates data centre investments across the US, with tech firms committing significant capital to expand capacity. The decision reflects growing resistance to hyperscale infrastructure, even as governments and industry continue to view data centres as critical to digital and AI ecosystems.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Recent updates from France and the Benelux region indicate stable performance across real estate, construction, and telecom sectors. Covivio reported steady revenue and high occupancy, reflecting resilience in property demand. Kaufman & Broad maintained stable earnings outlook with consistent margins, while Vinci secured a large infrastructure contract in the Czech Republic, strengthening its order book. Meanwhile, Proximus announced a leadership change, and Exail Technologies saw strong growth driven by its robotics segment.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Cisneros is planning to launch a USD 1 billion private investment fund focused on Venezuela, signalling renewed investor interest in the country amid gradual easing of US sanctions. The fund, to be named Intrepid, will target sectors such as real estate and agriculture while avoiding oil and mining. Around two-thirds of the capital has already been secured, with participation expected from investors across Latin America, the US and sovereign funds. The move comes as Venezuela sees improving global engagement, including policy shifts and financial openings, although regulatory and sanctions-related uncertainties continue to influence investment decisions.Read more

21 Apr 2026

A proposal by New York Governor Kathy Hochul to tax second homes valued above USD 5 million has received support from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The move targets high-value properties that remain vacant for most of the year and is aimed at improving housing affordability and bridging a budget gap. The policy is expected to generate around USD 500 million annually. Similar measures are already in place in countries such as France, the United Kingdom and Canada.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Uganda has appointed Citibank to help mobilise funding for its planned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, estimated at euro 2.7 billion (USD 3.19 billion). The government is also in discussions with the World Bank, which is evaluating multiple financing options. The project had faced delays after earlier attempts to secure funding from China did not succeed. Now assigned to Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi, initial groundwork has started with government support, while full construction is pending financial closure. The rail line is expected to improve regional connectivity by linking Uganda to Kenya's railway network and the port of Mombasa.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Finland has applied for EUR 9.55 million (USD 11.25 million) in funding from the European Commission to strengthen its undersea cable repair capabilities amid rising concerns over infrastructure disruptions in the Baltic Sea region. The project, coordinated by the National Emergency Supply Agency, involves partners from Finland, Sweden and Estonia. It aims to reduce repair timelines for subsea energy and communication cables during both routine and emergency situations, while ensuring operational continuity if private sector capacity is unavailable or maritime access is restricted.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Wereldhave Belgium reported a rise in its net rental income for the first quarter, reflecting improved operational performance across its portfolio. The company's income grew by 23 per cent year-on-year, reaching EUR 21.9 million. Its financial position remained stable, with the EPRA debt ratio standing at 31.1 per cent at the end of the quarter. The company has retained its full-year outlook for net results from core activities, projecting earnings in the range of EUR 5.20 to EUR 5.30 per share, indicating confidence in steady performance.Read more

20 Apr 2026

New Zealand's housing market recorded a slight decline in prices and sales in the past month, reflecting softer demand amid external economic pressures. Data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand showed a drop in both median house prices and transaction volumes compared to the previous month and the same period last year. While the Reserve Bank's decision to hold interest rates steady has offered some support, market conditions remain uneven across regions. Broader global factors, including geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs, have continued to influence buyer sentiment and overall housing activity.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Equity Residential has reached a settlement with plaintiffs in an antitrust class action linked to RealPage's rental pricing practices. The company will pay USD 56 million into a settlement fund to resolve all claims. It has also indicated that it will increase its loss contingency reserve, which will be reflected in its first-quarter 2026 financial results. This adjustment is expected to impact its reported earnings and funds from operations. The case is part of broader scrutiny of algorithm-based rent-setting systems used by large residential landlords across the United States.Read more