05 Aug 2026

The Vatican's financial position strengthened in 2025 as gains from gold, real estate and investment valuations lifted its net assets, despite a sharp decline in its operating surplus. According to the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), the Vatican's net assets increased by EUR 89 million to EUR 2.686 billion during the year. Higher rental income, better property management and lower maintenance costs supported real estate earnings, while a revaluation of gold holdings contributed the largest increase in overall wealth. The figures come as Pope Leo oversees efforts to address the Vatican's long-standing budget pressures.Read more

05 Aug 2026

Holcim has agreed to sell a nearly 68% stake in its Philippines business to China's Huaxin Building Materials for USD 527 million as part of its ongoing portfolio optimisation strategy. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The agreement also provides Holcim with an option to exit its remaining stake within three to five years for at least USD 280 million, while allowing it to benefit from potential additional value during that period. The company had recently raised its 2026 organic sales growth outlook following an improvement in housing construction activity.Read more

04 Aug 2026

Stor-Age Property REIT has agreed to acquire a portfolio of 10 income-generating self-storage properties from Xtraspace Properties for a purchase consideration of R387.0 million. Alongside the acquisition, the company will also manage six additional Xtraspace facilities under a separate management agreement, creating a new source of recurring fee income. The transaction will strengthen Stor-Age's presence across South Africa's key metropolitan markets, while supporting its strategy of expanding both its owned property portfolio and third-party management business. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals before completion.Read more

04 Aug 2026

Brookfield Infrastructure is exploring the potential sale of Canadian natural gas pipeline operator NorthRiver Midstream in a deal that could value the business at around USD 5 billion (approximately CAD 7 billion), according to Reuters. The company has been approaching potential buyers through investment bankers amid strong demand for energy infrastructure assets. While discussions are ongoing, no transaction has been finalised. Brookfield had acquired the assets that now form NorthRiver from Enbridge in 2018 for CAD 4.3 billion and is evaluating whether to monetise the business or continue expanding it.Read more

04 Aug 2026

Holcim has raised its full-year 2026 guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected second-quarter financial results, supported by improving demand across its business and growing interest in low-carbon building products. The company said it is seeing more residential housing projects begin, particularly in Europe, where governments are introducing measures to address housing shortages. Holcim also reported higher sales and operating profit than market estimates and said the third quarter has started on a positive note. The revised outlook reflects the company's confidence in market conditions for the remainder of the year.Read more

04 Aug 2026

Canadian convenience store operator Couche-Tard has announced plans to acquire Polish retailer Zabka in a deal valued at around USD 8.7 billion, making it the company’s largest acquisition to date. The transaction will significantly strengthen Couche-Tard’s presence in Central and Eastern Europe and nearly double its store network across the region. Backed by shareholders representing around 57% of Zabka’s share capital, the deal is expected to close by December 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The Zabka brand and franchise model will continue unchanged after the acquisition.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Taylor Wimpey has reduced its shareholder distribution policy and narrowed its UK home completions guidance as affordability concerns and economic uncertainty continue to affect the housing market. The company is slowing construction activity and reducing land acquisitions in response to weaker buyer demand. While it returned to profit during the first half compared to the previous year, it expects market conditions to remain challenging, with home prices staying below last year's levels and construction costs continuing to rise. The move reflects the cautious approach being adopted by major UK housebuilders.Read more

03 Aug 2026

HSBC has agreed to sell its Australian home and personal loan portfolio valued at AUD 36 billion (USD 25.3 billion) to Blackstone in what is being described as the world's largest home loan portfolio transaction. The deal forms part of HSBC's ongoing global restructuring strategy aimed at exiting non-core retail businesses and strengthening its corporate and institutional banking operations. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Blackstone will manage the portfolio through multiple investment funds, with Pepper Money overseeing loan servicing in Australia.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Builders FirstSource has lowered its 2026 revenue forecast after reporting weaker-than-expected second-quarter results, reflecting continued pressure in the US residential housing market. Lower housing starts, high home prices and elevated interest rates have affected demand for building materials, resulting in lower sales and earnings. The company has also revised its annual sales guidance to account for pricing challenges, commodity cost pressures and margin constraints. Despite these challenges, Builders FirstSource expects productivity initiatives to generate cost savings during 2026 as it continues to manage a difficult market environment.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Rightmove has lowered its revenue growth forecast for FY2026 after continued weakness in the UK new home market affected business expectations. The company said lower housing construction activity, increased competition from the resale market and cautious buyer sentiment have weighed on the sector. While revenue growth guidance has been revised downward, Rightmove has maintained its operating profit outlook and plans to return around GBP 400 million to shareholders over the next 12 months. The company is also facing legal costs linked to an ongoing competition lawsuit filed by estate agents.Read more