21 Sep 2025

Hong Kong has lowered the minimum qualifying amount for residential property purchases under its New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme from HKD 50 million to HKD 30 million (USD 3.9 million). The move aims to revive the city's struggling housing market, where prices remain near their lowest since 2016. Applicants must still meet the HKD 30 million total investment threshold, with only up to HKD 10 million allowed in residential property, the rest in financial assets. While the change may attract some high-net-worth investors to luxury homes, analysts warn that oversupply and weak economic conditions will limit impact, requiring broader demand-boosting measures.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Longi Green Energy has urged tougher checks to control declining standards in China's solar sector, saying that excess competition and too many players have weakened product quality in the past two to three years. Chairman Zhong Baoshen raised this concern at a major industry forum in Beijing, soon after President Xi Jinping pressed for the removal of outdated capacity and a reduction in harmful price competition. Longi itself reported a revenue fall of 36 percent and a net loss last year, and is now betting on newer BC and HPBC products to restore competitiveness.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Foxconn Interconnect Technology will begin building its first Middle East manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia this December through its joint venture Smart Mobility, formed with Saleh Suleiman Alrajhi & Sons. The plant will produce EV chargers, with commercial production set for 2026. The venture supports Saudi Arabia's plan to have 30 percent of its cars electrified by 2030. FIT has expanded in EV connectivity by acquiring Germany';s Prettl SWH group in 2023 and Auto-Kabel Group in 2024. Its auto mobility division is projected to generate USD 700 million in revenue this year.Read more

21 Sep 2025

Aena, Spain's airport operator, has announced plans to invest EUR 12.88 billion (USD 15.24 billion) between 2027 and 2031 to upgrade airport terminals. Chief Executive Maurici Lucena explained that Madrid and Barcelona airports are already nearing full capacity, highlighting the need for new investment to address congestion. The operator had previously allocated EUR 3.54 billion in the last four-year plan, making this a substantial rise. The new investments will fall under Aena's regulatory framework DORA III and are expected to strengthen Spain's two busiest airports while modernising the overall passenger infrastructure.Read more

20 Sep 2025

Sri Lanka has restarted the stalled 38-km Central Expressway connecting Colombo and Kandy with a new USD 500 million Chinese loan, marking the first funding from China since the country's 2021 debt default. Launched in 2016, the project was suspended in 2023 due to financial and material shortages, with one-third completed at the time. The government aims to finish the highway by 2028, which will improve connectivity and support economic activity. The funding comes on concessionary terms, amid Sri Lanka's ongoing debt restructuring and the competition between China and India for regional influence.Read more

20 Sep 2025

Rithm Capital has agreed to acquire Paramount Group for USD 1.6 billion, betting on a rebound in U.S. office real estate. The acquisition values Paramount at USD 6.60 per share, offering a 10.7% discount from its prior close. The company plans to fund the deal through cash, balance sheet liquidity, and potential co-investor contributions. Paramount's portfolio, spanning over 13.1 million square feet across New York and San Francisco, is about 85% leased. Analysts see the move as timely amid improving office fundamentals and a potential return-to-office trend.Read more

20 Sep 2025

Dubai Investments is planning an IPO for its Dubai Investments Park, aiming to sell up to a 25% stake in the real estate unit. Sources suggest DIP could be valued at USD 2.5 billion, with a potential listing in the first quarter of next year. The development, spanning 2,300 hectares, includes industrial, commercial, and residential spaces and hosts over 160,000 residents. This move aligns with the recent wave of IPOs in the UAE, as construction and real estate companies capitalize on strong housing demand and infrastructure growth.Read more

20 Sep 2025

China's housing market continues to face downward pressure, with new home prices falling 0.3% month-on-month and 2.5% year-on-year in August. Resale prices in tier-one, tier-two, and tier-three cities also declined, while property investment dropped 12.9% year-on-year from January to August. Analysts say recovery may not occur until 2026 or 2027 due to weak buyer sentiment, high inventory, and employment pressures. Policymakers are easing home purchase restrictions and considering credit and interest rate adjustments. Premier Li Qiang has emphasized the need for stronger measures to stimulate housing demand and support market stability.Read more

19 Sep 2025

PRS REIT, a Manchester-based real estate investment trust focused on family rental homes, has agreed to sell its operating company, PRS REIT Holding Company, to a fund advised by Waypoint Asset Management for about 646.2 million pounds (USD 881.2 million). Shareholders are set to receive a dividend of 1.1 pence per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, in addition to the sale proceeds. Competing interest from Long Harbour and U.S. private equity firm KKR did not lead to higher or firmer offers. The deal is expected to complete by the end of November, followed by the trust's voluntary liquidation.Read more

19 Sep 2025

The United States has cleared a 130 million USD project to build a high-voltage transmission line in Moldova to strengthen electricity supply from European markets. Moldova continues to rely heavily on power produced in Transdniestria, a separatist region dependent on Russian gas. Following Ukraine's refusal to extend a Russian gas transit agreement, Transdniestria reduced its power generation, creating pressure on Moldova's energy security. The project, announced by the U.S. embassy, is expected to help the country integrate more closely with European networks and introduce U.S. technologies in areas such as grid infrastructure, ICT, nuclear energy, and battery storage.Read more