26 Nov 2025

China has agreed to invest about USD 1.4 billion to modernise the TAZARA railway in partnership with Zambia and Tanzania. The decision was finalised during China's Premier Li Qiang's recent visit to Zambia. The upgrade will cover the 1,860 km line, including tracks, bridges, tunnels, stations, and signalling systems. Freight capacity is expected to rise from roughly 100,000 tonnes a year to 2.4 million tonnes. The project is linked to a 30-year concession with CCECC and includes new locomotives, wagons, staff training, and long-term operational support.Read more

26 Nov 2025

The earth intelligence sector has been witnessing a rapid shift as private climate-risk data firms experience heightened demand amid reduced scientific spending by the US administration. Real estate investors, energy companies and governments have increasingly been turning to private providers for climate analytics previously supported by publicly funded datasets. Companies such as Climate X, GHGSat, Fugro and Planet Labs have seen expansion in capital, revenue and scope of services, even as concerns grow around data accuracy and accessibility. Industry projections indicate substantial revenue growth for private data intelligence by 2030, supported by technological advancements and global climate-related pressures.Read more

26 Nov 2025

International Holding Company (IHC), Abu Dhabi's largest listed conglomerate, conveyed to the U.S. Treasury earlier this week that it was interested in purchasing the foreign assets of Russian oil producer Lukoil. The expression of interest places IHC among a growing pool of global suitors, including ExxonMobil, Chevron and U.S. private equity firm Carlyle, following sanctions that disrupted Lukoil's overseas operations. Washington recently dismissed Swiss trader Gunvor as a bidder, leaving the field open. Lukoil's foreign portfolio spans multiple continents and contributes roughly 0.5% of global oil output, making it a significant target despite regulatory hurdles.Read more

25 Nov 2025

U.S. existing home sales increased in October as lower mortgage rates encouraged buyers, though high home prices and unemployment continue to constrain the market. Sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.10 million units, slightly above forecasts, and first-time buyers accounted for 32% of transactions. Home inventory rose 10.9% year-over-year, but remains below pre-pandemic levels, with the median home price at USD 415,200. All-cash transactions grew, while distressed sales remained steady. Experts emphasize that first-time buyer participation still falls short of levels needed for a strong market.Read more

25 Nov 2025

China's private REIT market has become a key funding alternative for developers struggling with liquidity pressures, with fundraising reaching USD 12 billion this year. Unlike public REITs, private REITs allow faster approvals and include office and hotel assets. Institutional investors are attracted by stable income and higher yields averaging 5%. While domestic distressed developers have yet to participate significantly, offshore firms like CapitaLand and Gaw Capital have shown interest. Analysts see growth potential, though high-quality asset access and sector vacancy issues pose ongoing challenges.Read more

25 Nov 2025

Asda has raised USD 742 million through sale-and-leaseback deals on 24 stores and a depot to strengthen its finances and reduce debt. The supermarket, owned mainly by TDR Capital, will continue operating all sites under long-term lease agreements. With net debt of 3.8 billion pounds, Asda faces falling sales and declining market share, which dropped to 11.6% over a recent 12-week period. Competitor Aldi is rapidly closing the gap. The funds are intended to support business investment and stabilize operations ahead of the company's upcoming third-quarter results.Read more

25 Nov 2025

Abu Dhabi is actively seeking partners for infrastructure projects totaling USD 54 billion over the next five years, aiming to double the investment by 2040. Officials from ADPIC engaged with Turkish, Singaporean, and Chinese companies to shortlist potential collaborators. The portfolio focuses on bridges, tunnels, and social infrastructure, with national housing, schools, and community facilities making up about half of the investments. Projects will be carried out across Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, and the Al-Dhafra region, financed either by the government or through public-private partnerships and long-term investment collaborations.Read more

25 Nov 2025

Kiwi Property Group reported an 11.5% rise in its interim operating profit before tax, reaching NZD 62.9 million, driven by robust rental income and efficient cost control. The company maintained its FY26 dividend guidance at 5.60 NZ cents per share, signaling consistent returns for shareholders. Its diversified property portfolio, covering retail, office, and industrial spaces, has shown resilience in prior periods, reflecting operational stability. Analysts highlight disciplined management and strategic asset optimization as factors behind the strong performance, positioning Kiwi Property to maintain growth and deliver reliable income streams in the coming months.Read more

25 Nov 2025

AstraZeneca recently confirmed that it would commit USD 2 billion towards expanding its manufacturing base in Maryland as part of its much larger USD 50 billion programme to strengthen research and production capabilities across the United States by 2030. The initiative, aligned with the former US administration's appeal for greater domestic drug manufacturing, spans upgrades to the company's biologics facility in Frederick and a new clinical supply site in Gaithersburg. The investment will support 2,600 jobs in total, including hundreds of highly specialised roles, and marks the fourth project under AstraZeneca's long-term expansion strategy.Read more

24 Nov 2025

China Merchants Land will acquire the Nanjing Merchants Qisheng Property Development project from Citic Securities in a deal valued at INR 259.2 crore. The transfer consolidates the project under a subsidiary of Citic Securities, allowing for more focused management and operational efficiency. Recognized for its potential in Nanjing's real estate market, the project adds strategic value to China Merchants Land's portfolio. This move reflects wider trends in China's property sector, where companies are reorganizing assets to strengthen liquidity, streamline operations, and ensure projects receive dedicated attention and resources.Read more