17 Apr 2026

Swedish Logistic Property AB reported a strong start to the year with a notable increase in rental and operating income. Rental income rose by 26% year-on-year, supported by portfolio expansion and stable demand for logistics assets. Net operating income also recorded a similar growth trend. The company has been consistently strengthening its position in the Nordic logistics market, benefiting from long-term leases and tenant demand driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimisation.Read more

17 Apr 2026

BasisBank, owned by China-based Hualing Group, has acquired a 95.99% controlling stake in Liberty Bank, the third-largest bank in Georgia by assets. The transaction strengthens the acquirer's presence in the South Caucasus banking sector and aligns with increasing economic engagement between Georgia and China. Liberty Bank held a 5.5% market share as of mid-2025. The deal forms part of Hualing Group's broader strategy of expanding its financial services footprint in Georgia, where bilateral trade with China has seen steady growth in recent years.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Stegra has raised around USD 1.7 billion to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in northern Sweden, strengthening one of Europe's key green industrial projects. The funding, led by the Wallenberg family along with global investors like Temasek and IMAS, will support construction, cover rising costs, and provide financial stability. The project has faced delays due to challenges in scaling green hydrogen and cost pressures. Despite this, investor participation indicates continued confidence in low-emission steel production and long-term industrial decarbonisation efforts.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Barratt Redrow has reduced its land approval and spending targets for the current financial year as it adopts a cautious approach due to rising costs and interest rate uncertainty linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The company now plans to approve fewer land plots and lower its overall investment. This move reflects a broader trend in the UK housing sector, where developers are becoming more selective. Despite these changes, Barratt Redrow has maintained its profit and home completion guidance, though it has indicated limited visibility beyond the current financial year.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Singapore-based DBS has strengthened its presence in Hong Kong's commercial real estate market by acquiring six additional floors at The Center for HKD 2.62 billion (USD 334.29 million). This marks the city's largest commercial property transaction so far this year and takes DBS Hong Kong's total ownership in the building to 14 floors. The move reflects the bank's continued focus on Hong Kong as a key wealth management hub. The deal also signals improving sentiment in the city's office market, supported by stronger capital market activity and renewed demand from mainland Chinese and global firms.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust has announced plans to raise CAD 200 million through a new issuance of senior unsecured debentures under Series H. The move is part of the REIT's ongoing capital strategy to strengthen its balance sheet and support future growth. Such issuances are commonly used by REITs to refinance existing debt and fund acquisitions or development activity. Dream Industrial, which operates a portfolio of industrial assets across key global markets, has been actively managing its capital structure amid evolving interest rate conditions and demand for logistics and warehousing spaces.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Star Mica Holdings Co Ltd has indicated that the suspension of orders by housing equipment manufacturers is unlikely to significantly affect its business performance. The company clarified that its overall exposure to such manufacturers remains limited, helping it manage any short-term disruptions. The development comes at a time when supply chains and demand cycles in the housing equipment segment are seeing some adjustments. Despite this, Star Mica maintains that its diversified operations and revenue streams will support stability. The company's statement aims to reassure stakeholders about its operational resilience.Read more

17 Apr 2026

China's refined copper consumption is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, supported by long-term industrial and infrastructure demand. A senior researcher from China Minmetals indicated that demand is unlikely to peak soon, with annual growth estimated at 3.7% until 2035. However, growth in the current year is expected to remain muted at around 1% due to slower progress in the energy transition, particularly in solar power, and elevated copper prices. Despite a possible population decline, overall consumption is expected to remain strong due to rising per capita usage and ongoing economic activity.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Real estate activity in Dubai has witnessed a decline in transactions and rental demand amid escalating tensions in West Asia, reflecting a temporary impact on investor sentiment. Data indicates that property transactions fell in the early part of the month, while leasing activity also moderated. The slowdown is attributed to geopolitical uncertainty and rising risk perception among global investors. However, the market has continued to demonstrate resilience, supported by underlying demand fundamentals and ongoing project activity. Developers and investors have largely adopted a cautious approach, indicating a wait-and-watch phase rather than a structural downturn. The development highlights the sensitivity of international real estate markets to geopolitical disruptions.Read more

17 Apr 2026

Serbia has announced plans to jointly manufacture combat drones with Israel as part of its broader effort to modernise its defence sector and expand military exports. The announcement was made by Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic during a visit to a military unit, where he highlighted that the country cannot independently develop drones at the level of Israel. The proposed collaboration is expected to follow a 50-50 structure, although key details such as investment value, timeline, and the manufacturer involved have not been officially disclosed. The move aligns with Serbia's ongoing military upgrade strategy.Read more