26 Apr 2026

Spain has approved a USD 8.23 billion (EUR 7 billion) housing plan aimed at addressing rising housing costs and supply shortages, with a focus on expanding public housing and supporting renters. The programme will be implemented over the next four years and marks a significant increase in government spending on housing. Around 40% of the allocation will be used to expand public housing stock, while 30% will go towards renovation and energy-efficient upgrades, and the remaining funds will support subsidies, particularly for young renters and homebuyers. The plan also introduces provisions to ensure subsidised housing remains permanently protected. The move comes amid growing pressure from rising rents, population growth and supply constraints in key urban markets.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Swiss financial market regulator FINMA has said that UBS still needs to strengthen its emergency preparedness despite continued regulatory oversight. The bank accounted for a significant share of inspections conducted in the past year, reflecting heightened scrutiny after its takeover of Credit Suisse following its collapse in 2023. While inspection numbers remained broadly consistent year-on-year, regulators continue to assess UBS’s ability to handle potential financial stress scenarios and ensure systemic stability in Switzerland’s banking sector.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Portugal has emerged as one of Europe’s leading markets for branded residences, ranking third by project volume, according to a recent report by Savills. The country currently hosts 33 completed developments, with 18 more in the pipeline, reflecting sustained investor and buyer demand for lifestyle-driven real estate. Across Europe, branded residences have expanded significantly, with 141 completed projects and projections indicating growth beyond 300 developments over the coming years. The segment continues to attract premium pricing, with Europe’s brand premium rising to 38 per cent, well above the global average. Coastal resort locations, particularly in Portugal’s Algarve region, are driving this demand, combining hospitality-led services with residential ownership and long-term investment potential.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Sweden-based EQT AB has completed fundraising for its largest Asia-focused buyout fund, raising USD 15.6 billion amid strong global investor interest. The fund drew commitments from over 75 new investors and saw balanced participation across regions. It will target control deals in technology, healthcare and services. The fundraising comes as global investors diversify away from the U.S. due to valuation and geopolitical concerns. Increased deal activity in markets like Japan and India, along with EQT’s strong capital returns and co-investment strategy, supported the record raise.Read more

25 Apr 2026

Russia and North Korea are nearing completion of their first road bridge across the Tumen River, a project aimed at improving trade, tourism, and connectivity. The bridge, around 850 metres long, will complement the existing rail link and allow vehicle movement between the two countries for the first time. Construction, which began about a year ago, has reached an advanced stage with structural work already joined. Once opened, the crossing is expected to handle up to 300 vehicles daily and support growing economic and strategic ties between the two nations.Read more

25 Apr 2026

Luxury real estate developers in Dubai are being urged to adopt stricter discipline and focus on execution as the market transitions into a more selective phase shaped by global uncertainties. Talal M. Al Gaddah indicated that buyer behaviour is shifting away from speculative investments towards long-term value, liveability, and quality delivery. Developers are increasingly expected to control supply and align projects with end-user needs rather than short-term sales momentum. Despite geopolitical pressures, Dubai’s fundamentals—such as regulatory strength and infrastructure—continue to support investor confidence. The evolving definition of luxury now prioritises wellness, environmental quality, and usability over location alone. Projects like Keturah Reserve and Keturah Resort reflect this shift, integrating low-density planning with lifestyle-focused amenities. The trend signals a maturing market where execution credibility and sustained value creation are becoming central to developer success.Read more

25 Apr 2026

Iran has resumed international flight operations from Mashhad Airport as part of a phased plan to reopen its airspace after weeks of disruption caused by regional tensions. Authorities have allowed passenger flights and ticket bookings from the eastern region, while other major airports, including those in Tehran, are expected to reopen in later stages. The move follows a near-total suspension of civilian aviation after military developments in late February. While limited transit routes have reopened, international airlines remain cautious, and full restoration of operations will depend on the security situation.Read more

25 Apr 2026

fäm Properties reported that Dubai’s residential market continues to record exceptionally high absorption levels, with nearly all homes scheduled for delivery in the near term already sold. Data sourced from DXBinteract indicated that around 94.91 per cent of 43,217 units due for completion in 2026 by leading developers have been absorbed. Across a broader pipeline spanning 2026 to 2029, approximately 71.45 per cent of 426,182 units have already been sold. The findings suggest sustained buyer demand and a strong alignment between supply and absorption, with the market maintaining performance levels consistent with its long-term averages. The scale of forward sales also reflects continued investor confidence in Dubai’s residential sector compared to global markets.Read more

24 Apr 2026

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points during the past week, taking it to 4.50% in response to rising inflation linked to escalating fuel costs. The move came despite concerns over economic growth, with inflation projected at 6.3% for the year. Policymakers signalled that further rate hikes remain under consideration, marking a shift away from the earlier easing stance. The decision followed mixed market expectations and reflects growing risks to the fuel-import-dependent economy. External agencies, including S&P Global and Fitch Ratings, have also revised the country’s outlook amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting energy prices and macroeconomic stability.Read more

24 Apr 2026

Netflix authorised an additional USD 25 billion share repurchase programme during the past week, signalling a renewed focus on capital returns after withdrawing from a proposed USD 72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery assets. The programme has no expiry and builds on an earlier buyback plan, under which USD 6.8 billion remained unutilised as of the previous month. The move comes alongside a series of strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, price revisions, and expansion into gaming. Analysts expect the company to prioritise growth areas such as advertising and live content, as it balances shareholder returns with continued investment in content and platform expansion.Read more