27 Apr 2026

Singapore-based Keppel Ltd reported a slight decline in its first-quarter net profit, mainly due to weaker performance in its real estate division. While its infrastructure and connectivity businesses showed improvement, these gains were offset by lower valuation and divestment contributions from property assets compared to last year. The company recorded a 13 per cent rise in asset management fees to SGD 108 million (USD 84.67 million). Keppel also indicated limited direct exposure to Middle East tensions but flagged potential risks to energy security and fundraising if disruptions continue. It has monetised SGD 385 million worth of assets so far this year.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Construction has commenced on a temporary cricket stadium in Pomona, Southern California, for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking the sport’s return to the Games after over a century. The venue will host men’s and women’s T20 competitions with six teams each. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has positioned this as a key step in expanding cricket’s global reach. The ground is also scheduled to host a few Major League Cricket matches in the coming months, indicating early operational use ahead of the Olympics.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Emirates NBD reported a 3% year-on-year rise in its quarterly profit, marking its first financial update since the recent Middle East conflict. Profit reached 6.4 billion dirhams (USD 1.74 billion), supported by steady deposit growth and a stronger balance sheet. The bank recorded increases in loans, deposits, and total assets, which crossed 1.22 trillion dirhams. However, the lender also took a precautionary impairment charge of 865 million dirhams, reflecting cautious provisioning. Analysts noted potential pressure on growth due to regional uncertainties, although the bank’s financial position remains stable.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Germany’s private sector recorded its first contraction in nearly a year during the past week, as heightened geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict disrupted economic momentum. Data from S&P Global indicated that the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell below the growth threshold, reflecting weakening demand across services and manufacturing. The downturn was led by a sharp decline in services activity, while manufacturing growth moderated. Businesses reported rising input costs, cautious customer sentiment, and declining new orders. Inflationary pressures intensified, and business confidence weakened, with employment continuing to decline. The data points to broader economic strain in Europe’s largest economy amid persistent uncertainty and rising energy prices.Read more

27 Apr 2026

National Healthcare Properties has raised USD 462 million through its initial public offering in the United States, reflecting continued investor interest in healthcare and senior housing assets. The REIT priced its shares below the indicated range amid volatile market conditions but proceeded with the listing, signalling resilience in defensive real estate segments. With a portfolio spanning 167 properties across 29 states, the company is positioned to benefit from rising demand linked to an ageing population and growing healthcare infrastructure needs.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Hawyia Auctions Co CJSC has entered into an agreement with Al-Sulaiman Real Estate to handle exclusive marketing and brokerage services. The deal is expected to strengthen Hawyia’s position in property auctions by improving asset visibility and transaction efficiency. Such partnerships are commonly used in the real estate sector to streamline sales and attract a wider pool of investors. The move also reflects a broader trend where auction firms collaborate with established real estate players to enhance outreach and execution in competitive property markets.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has announced its decision to relocate its head office to Menara Merdeka 118, one of the tallest buildings globally, located in Kuala Lumpur. The move is part of the bank’s broader effort to modernise its workplace infrastructure and align operations within a centralised, premium commercial space. This transition reflects a growing trend among large financial institutions to consolidate offices in landmark developments, which offer advanced facilities and improved connectivity. The relocation is expected to support operational efficiency and enhance the organisation’s corporate positioning.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Spain has approved a USD 8.23 billion (EUR 7 billion) housing plan aimed at addressing rising housing costs and supply shortages, with a focus on expanding public housing and supporting renters. The programme will be implemented over the next four years and marks a significant increase in government spending on housing. Around 40% of the allocation will be used to expand public housing stock, while 30% will go towards renovation and energy-efficient upgrades, and the remaining funds will support subsidies, particularly for young renters and homebuyers. The plan also introduces provisions to ensure subsidised housing remains permanently protected. The move comes amid growing pressure from rising rents, population growth and supply constraints in key urban markets.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Swiss financial market regulator FINMA has said that UBS still needs to strengthen its emergency preparedness despite continued regulatory oversight. The bank accounted for a significant share of inspections conducted in the past year, reflecting heightened scrutiny after its takeover of Credit Suisse following its collapse in 2023. While inspection numbers remained broadly consistent year-on-year, regulators continue to assess UBS’s ability to handle potential financial stress scenarios and ensure systemic stability in Switzerland’s banking sector.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Portugal has emerged as one of Europe’s leading markets for branded residences, ranking third by project volume, according to a recent report by Savills. The country currently hosts 33 completed developments, with 18 more in the pipeline, reflecting sustained investor and buyer demand for lifestyle-driven real estate. Across Europe, branded residences have expanded significantly, with 141 completed projects and projections indicating growth beyond 300 developments over the coming years. The segment continues to attract premium pricing, with Europe’s brand premium rising to 38 per cent, well above the global average. Coastal resort locations, particularly in Portugal’s Algarve region, are driving this demand, combining hospitality-led services with residential ownership and long-term investment potential.Read more