20 Jun 2026

Canada’s housing market recorded a decline in construction activity in May, with housing starts falling 6 percent compared to the previous month. The seasonally adjusted annualised rate dropped to 261,377 units from a revised 278,380 units in April, according to data released by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The fall was milder than market expectations, as economists had projected a sharper decline to around 255,000 units. The latest figures indicate that while residential construction is slowing, activity remains above some forecasts, reflecting mixed conditions in the housing sector.Read more

20 Jun 2026

Precinct Properties New Zealand announced that it has entered into a partnership with global investment firm PAG through the sale of a 50% interest in Auckland’s PwC Tower for NZD 600 million (USD 349.26 million). The transaction structure includes a deferred payment period of 18 months after settlement and a price adjustment mechanism linked to the five-year swap rate. The company stated that it will continue holding the remaining 50% stake while managing the asset. The deal is expected to be close to book value, with settlement likely in the first half of FY27, along with continued progress on its Downtown development plans.Read more

20 Jun 2026

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, part of the listed REIT sector focused on commercial property lending, has decided to liquidate its assets and dissolve the company after completing a major portfolio transaction earlier this year. The company had sold its large commercial real estate loan portfolio to Athene Holding, resulting in significant cash inflows and a strategic review of its future operations. Following this, the board approved a dividend of USD 3.75 per share, largely treated as return of capital, to be paid to shareholders on July 15. The move marks the end of its operating structure and transition into wind-down mode.Read more

19 Jun 2026

Sentiment among U.S. homebuilders declined in June as rising mortgage rates, higher construction material costs and ongoing affordability concerns continued to pressure the housing sector. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell below expectations, extending a prolonged period of weak builder confidence. Elevated borrowing costs and costlier materials have reduced demand, prompting more builders to offer price cuts and sales incentives to attract buyers. The latest survey highlights the continued challenges facing the U.S. housing market despite a significant housing supply shortage across the country.Read more

19 Jun 2026

An international arbitration tribunal has rejected most of Ukraine’s claims against Russia regarding control of the Kerch Strait, while finding that Moscow breached certain maritime obligations during the construction of the Crimea Bridge. The case, filed by Ukraine after Russia began building the bridge linking mainland Russia with Crimea, was heard by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Although the tribunal ruled that Russia failed to conduct adequate environmental assessments during construction, it dismissed the majority of Kyiv’s claims on procedural grounds. No compensation was awarded, and both countries were directed to bear their own legal expenses.Read more

19 Jun 2026

China’s residential property market remained under pressure in May, with new home prices recording a steeper monthly decline as demand continued to stay weak despite signs of stability in some major cities. Data showed that property sales, investment, construction activity and developer financing all weakened further during the first five months of the year. While top-tier cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou posted modest price gains and resale housing markets showed some improvement, smaller cities continued to face oversupply challenges and slower inventory absorption, keeping overall market sentiment subdued.Read more

19 Jun 2026

Road King Infrastructure has announced that its proposed acquisition of a target interest in China will not move forward after the asset became subject to enforcement action through a judicial auction process in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The company said it is taking steps to recover RMB172.5 million that had already been paid to Beijing Xuke in connection with the transaction. The development marks a setback for the planned deal and highlights the legal challenges surrounding the target asset, prompting the group to focus on recovering its funds.Read more

19 Jun 2026

China Evergrande’s liquidators have sought a judicial review of a HKD 1 billion (USD 127.67 million) settlement reached between Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Hong Kong over the auditor’s work for the collapsed developer. The liquidators argue that the regulator did not have the legal authority to resolve a market misconduct claim against a non-regulated entity in the manner adopted. They also contend that compensating shareholders through the settlement could reduce funds available for creditors, adding another layer to the ongoing efforts to recover assets from one of China’s largest corporate collapses.Read more

18 Jun 2026

Marwest Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust has announced a 2.1% increase in its monthly cash distribution policy, reflecting a higher payout for unitholders. The revised distribution has been set at USD 0.001455 per unit and will take effect from June 2026. The move marks an increase from the trust’s previous distribution level and signals continued cash returns to investors. Real estate investment trusts typically review distribution policies based on portfolio performance, cash flows and market conditions. The latest revision forms part of Marwest Apartment REIT’s ongoing distribution framework for its unitholders.Read more

18 Jun 2026

China’s banking sector reported a weaker-than-expected recovery in lending activity in May, reflecting continued pressure from the country’s prolonged property market downturn and subdued domestic demand. New yuan loans rebounded from a contraction recorded in April but remained below market expectations. Household borrowing, including mortgages, stayed under pressure despite some improvement, while corporate lending strengthened. The latest figures indicate that businesses and consumers remain cautious amid a challenging economic environment. Analysts believe weak credit demand, rather than a shortage of available funds, continues to be the main factor limiting loan growth across the economy.Read more