04 May 2026

Naturgy reported a steady rise in its quarterly performance, supported by higher power generation and expansion in its network business. While overall revenue declined, it remained above market expectations, and core earnings showed improvement. Increased gas prices, influenced by global supply disruptions, helped boost earnings without affecting procurement. The company also strengthened its renewable portfolio and continued investments in infrastructure. Alongside this, Naturgy announced a higher dividend payout for 2025. However, its shares saw a slight dip, and future regulatory changes around LNG imports from Russia remain an area to watch.Read more

04 May 2026

Single-family housing starts in the US rose sharply to a 13-month high in March, reflecting a short-term boost in construction activity. However, a drop in building permits and weak builder confidence suggest that this momentum may not sustain. Rising mortgage rates and higher material costs have continued to impact the sector. While multi-family construction also showed growth, permits declined significantly. Economists expect residential investment to remain under pressure, even as overall economic growth is projected to improve modestly in the first quarter.Read more

04 May 2026

Sberbank has revised Russia’s 2026 GDP growth forecast downward to 0.5%–1% following a weak first quarter. The slowdown was driven by high interest rates, increased taxes, a strong rouble, and subdued oil prices, which led to an economic contraction at the start of the year. Key sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and construction showed poor performance, while consumer spending also declined. The bank now expects inflation to remain elevated at 6%–6.5%, higher than the central bank’s earlier estimates, indicating continued pressure on the overall economic environment.Read more

04 May 2026

Persimmon has indicated that rising energy prices are beginning to drive cost inflation across its supply chain, with potential impact extending into 2027. Despite this, the company has retained its 2026 home delivery guidance, supported by steady sales performance in the initial months of the year. The builder reported a 3 per cent rise in private sales per outlet, although buyer enquiries have softened amid higher mortgage rates. Its vertically integrated supply model has helped contain input cost pressures, even as broader sector sentiment remains cautious with peers moderating land investments and growth expectations.Read more

04 May 2026

CoStar Group has projected second-quarter revenue slightly below market expectations, reflecting continued caution around the commercial real estate sector. The segment remains under pressure due to high borrowing costs and changing workplace trends, which have reduced transaction activity. While the company’s core data and analytics business faces slower demand, it continues to expand its digital platforms like Homes.com. First-quarter performance remained steady, with revenue meeting estimates and profit exceeding expectations. The company has maintained its full-year outlook despite near-term challenges.Read more

04 May 2026

Standard Chartered Bank has arranged a USD 2.33 billion syndicated financing facility for Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway project. The funding will support the development of two sections of a 1,219 km rail corridor connecting Dar es Salaam to Mwanza. The project is being executed by Turkey’s Yapi Merkezi and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with financing from export credit agencies, commercial banks and development finance institutions. The railway is expected to improve cargo and passenger movement while strengthening regional connectivity with neighbouring landlocked countries.Read more

04 May 2026

Indonesia has initiated 13 projects across energy, mining, and agriculture sectors with a total investment of USD 6.7 billion. The move is aimed at reducing dependence on imports and strengthening domestic production. Key developments include refinery expansion, fuel storage facilities, coal-to-DME processing, and steel manufacturing units. The government is also pushing forward agro-based production such as biodiesel. Some projects revive earlier stalled plans, reflecting a renewed focus on energy security and industrial growth. These initiatives are expected to improve capacity, support local industries, and enhance long-term self-sufficiency.Read more

04 May 2026

Mercedes-Benz has signed an agreement to sell its European leasing subsidiary Athlon to BNP Paribas, as part of efforts to unlock liquidity and streamline operations. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of the year subject to regulatory approvals, could generate up to EUR 1 billion in liquidity. Athlon operates across 20 countries and is a significant player in the vehicle leasing market. The deal reflects a broader strategy by Mercedes-Benz to optimise capital allocation while allowing BNP Paribas to strengthen its presence in the European leasing segment.Read more

04 May 2026

The UK government has clarified that it is not considering rent control measures, despite recent discussions around a possible temporary freeze on rent increases to support tenants. Housing Minister Steve Reed stated that such policies are not being evaluated, citing past outcomes in Scotland where rent caps led to sharper increases. His remarks follow comments by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, who indicated that the government is exploring ways to support renters facing rising living costs. The stance signals a preference for alternative solutions over direct market intervention.Read more

04 May 2026

Canada’s housing market downturn is affecting consumer spending even as financial markets continue to perform strongly. Falling home prices, higher mortgage rates, and global factors like rising oil prices have reduced household confidence and borrowing capacity. While overall household wealth has increased due to stock market gains, these benefits are largely limited to wealthier individuals. Economists note that housing plays a more direct role in spending behaviour, and the ongoing correction is weakening the broader economic recovery. Slower consumption growth is expected to impact GDP momentum in the coming period.Read more