05 May 2026

Starwood Capital Group has temporarily suspended redemptions in its USD 22 billion real estate fund following a strategic review, citing ongoing market pressures. The move comes after redemption activity reduced the fund’s net asset value by 6% over the past year. The company has also lowered its distribution rate and indicated it will explore capital raising and asset sales. The fund, launched in 2018, remains largely occupied and continues to hold a diversified portfolio. The decision reflects broader stress in private markets, including private credit, due to global uncertainty and tighter financial conditions.Read more

05 May 2026

Lazard has agreed to acquire private equity advisory firm Campbell Lutyens for around USD 575 million, as part of its strategy to expand in private capital advisory. The deal will lead to the creation of a new division, Lazard CL, combining capabilities across fundraising, secondary advisory, and capital advisory in sectors such as infrastructure, private credit, private equity, and real estate. The transaction also includes a potential additional payout of up to USD 85 million based on performance. The move is expected to strengthen Lazard’s long-term growth strategy and contribute positively to earnings from 2027 onward.Read more

05 May 2026

Entergy has increased its four-year capital expenditure plan by around 33% to USD 57 billion, largely driven by rising demand from Meta’s data center expansion in Louisiana. The utility will build multiple gas-based power plants to support these projects, while also seeing strong growth in industrial power consumption. Higher data center activity has boosted sales and profits, though debt and operating costs have also increased. The company maintains that new regulatory structures will ensure data centers bear higher costs, potentially easing the burden on regular consumers.Read more

05 May 2026

Vulcan Materials reported a strong first-quarter performance, supported by steady demand for construction materials like crushed stone, sand, and gravel. Growth was driven by increased spending on public infrastructure, data centres, and energy projects. The company also benefited from favourable weather conditions across key markets, which supported higher shipments. Despite challenges such as rising energy costs and geopolitical pressures, Vulcan exceeded market expectations on both revenue and profit. Its performance reflects continued momentum in construction activity, especially in public sector projects.Read more

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