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

20 Apr 2026

The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is preparing for its first major refurbishment since opening in 1999, with plans indicating an 18-month renovation period. A staff member confirmed that the property will remain closed during this phase, while its owner Jumeirah stated that the work will be carried out in stages under interior architect Tristan Auer. The timing comes as tourism in the region has slowed amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US-Israeli war with Iran. The hotel has also recently faced minor damage from debris linked to an intercepted drone incident earlier this year.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Uzbekistan's National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan has secured USD 300 million in cornerstone commitments from global investors, including BlackRock, ahead of its planned initial public offering on the London and Tashkent stock exchanges. The IPO marks the first global equity market listing by a state-backed Uzbek entity. The fund holds minority stakes across 13 state-owned enterprises in sectors such as energy, transport and banking. The move aligns with Uzbekistan's ongoing economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign capital and deepening its capital markets.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Norway has revised the sovereign bond exclusion framework governing its USD 2.2 trillion wealth fund, removing Syria from the restricted list while adding Iran, according to a government document. The move reflects a reassessment aligned with prevailing international sanctions and follows political changes in Syria after the leadership transition in late 2024. While the shift does not mandate immediate investment, it enables the fund to consider Syrian government bonds for the first time in years. The decision carries broader implications given the fund's global influence and Syria's gradual reintegration into international financial systems, including renewed banking linkages and efforts to attract foreign capital.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Amazon has announced plans to acquire Globalstar in a USD 11.57 billion deal to strengthen its satellite connectivity business and compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The move will add Globalstar's satellites and spectrum capabilities to Amazon's growing network, supporting its plans to deploy thousands of satellites by 2029. The deal also advances Amazon's entry into direct-to-device (D2D) services, expected by 2028. With rising investments in satellite internet globally, the acquisition signals Amazon's intent to close the gap with established players and expand connectivity in remote and underserved regions.Read more