18 Oct 2025

New Zealand's Central Bank announced plans to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions from early December, citing stabilised housing prices following a prolonged decline. The move aims to offer banks greater lending flexibility and improve credit access, particularly for first-time homebuyers. With house prices now around 16% below their 2021 peak and lending growth remaining moderate, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said the timing was appropriate for adjustment, while retaining existing debt-to-income restrictions to maintain borrower resilience.Read more

18 Oct 2025

Chinese retailers have expanded their annual Singles' Day sales to a record five-week period to stimulate consumer spending amid a slowing economy. Alibaba and JD.com are offering deep discounts, subsidies, and rapid delivery options, while integrating AI into search and recommendation tools. Early results show strong sales from major brands, yet consumer interest is cautious. Analysts expect growth in personal care, apparel, and electronics, while home appliance sales may decline compared to last year. The extended event reflects efforts to encourage consumption despite domestic economic pressures and weak retail demand.Read more

18 Oct 2025

Swiss medical technology company Ypsomed plans to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with an initial investment of USD 200 million. The plant will create around 100 jobs, potentially doubling in the coming years, and is expected to start supplying the U.S. market by late 2027. Amid 39% U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods, the expansion complements Ypsomed's recent plant in China, investment in Germany, and domestic production growth in Switzerland. The move aims to meet increasing global demand and strengthen supply reliability in the U.S.Read more

18 Oct 2025

Following a recent peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the organization's commitment to assist in rebuilding football infrastructure in Gaza as part of broader post-war reconstruction efforts. This initiative includes restoring facilities destroyed during the conflict, launching a fund for new pitches and youth programs, and collaborating with the Palestinian Football Association to create opportunities for children through the game. FIFA aims to contribute mini-pitches and "FIFA Arenas" and invites other partners to join the effort.Read more

18 Oct 2025

The South Korean government introduced stricter mortgage restrictions for first-time home buyers in Seoul and surrounding areas following a recent rise in apartment prices. The borrowing limit has been reduced from 70% to 40% of the property's value, with a maximum cap of 600 million won (around USD 420,639). The measure, the third under President Lee Jae Myung's administration, aims to address affordability issues as Seoul's price-to-income ratio remains among the highest globally.Read more

17 Oct 2025

Chinese property developer Country Garden announced that its controlling shareholder agreed to convert loans worth USD 1.14 billion into equity as part of its ongoing offshore debt restructuring process. The move follows an agreement reached earlier with key bank creditors on a USD 14.1 billion restructuring plan. The conversion will see new shares issued at HKD 0.60 each, slightly above the market price. Creditor meetings have been scheduled for early November to vote on the proposal, marking another step in the developer's efforts to stabilise its finances amid China's property sector crisis.Read more

17 Oct 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated that China must redirect its economic growth model towards strengthening domestic demand, which has remained subdued due to the ongoing property sector downturn. The renewed emphasis came in the IMF's latest World Economic Outlook, following pressure from the United States Treasury for a more critical stance on China's economic approach. The IMF warned of rising financial stability risks, weak credit demand, and a potential debt-deflation trap weighing on the Chinese economy.Read more

17 Oct 2025

U.S. office loan delinquencies rose sharply in September, primarily due to a USD 180 million loan default for 261 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Office CMBS made up over USD 1 billion of the USD 2.05 billion in newly delinquent CRE loans. Starbucks announced closure of its outlet at the Manhattan building as part of a larger national store closure plan. Another major default involved a USD 79 million loan for CityPlace I in Hartford. Overall CMBS delinquencies also rose, reflecting ongoing stress and shifting demand in the U.S. office real estate market.Read more

16 Oct 2025

A prolonged shutdown of the US government has raised serious concerns for the housing sector, with thousands of home closings reportedly at risk each day. Data from HomeAbroad revealed that the suspension of the National Flood Insurance Program has disrupted insurance coverage for properties in high-risk areas. The halt, already lasting several weeks, threatens billions in housing transactions nationwide and could have severe financial repercussions for flood-prone states such as Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.Read more

16 Oct 2025

EDP is set to accelerate its solar and battery storage projects in Australia after securing government-backed revenue schemes through the Capacity Investment Scheme. Its two projects, Punchs Creek in Queensland and Merino in New South Wales, will add more than 1.7 GW of solar and battery capacity. Punchs Creek will include 480 MWp of solar and a 400 MW battery system, while Merino will feature 530 MWp of solar and a 450 MW battery system. The CIS ensures long-term revenue support, reducing investment risks and promoting large-scale clean energy deployment across Australia.Read more