16 Sep 2025

Iron ore futures declined this week due to persistent weakness in China's property sector, despite gains in steel benchmarks and steelmaking inputs. New home prices continued to fall, while new bank loans rebounded only modestly, showing subdued credit demand. Crude steel output decreased year-on-year, but iron ore recorded a third consecutive weekly gain supported by renewed steel mill activity after environmental production restrictions ended. Domestic construction steel demand is expected to improve slightly, helped by better weather and stronger financial conditions in non-property sectors, while coking coal, coke, and Shanghai Futures Exchange steel benchmarks posted positive movements.Read more

15 Sep 2025

UK property markets are experiencing a subtle slowdown, with asking prices for homes falling slightly year-on-year for the first time since early last year. Southern England, where homes are more expensive, has driven much of the decline, though lower prices are helping sales. Rent growth has slowed to its lowest level in four years, with average monthly rents at 1,300 pounds (USD 1,761). Analysts attribute the slowdown to property tax uncertainty, reduced migration, and easier mortgage access for first-time buyers. Economic stagnation and stable interest rates are contributing to cautious activity in both buying and renting sectors.Read more

15 Sep 2025

Citigroup has confirmed that the cost of refitting its 42-storey tower at Canary Wharf in London has risen to USD 1.5 billion, almost matching what it paid to acquire the property in 2019. The budget increase has been attributed to the decision to expand the workspace for a growing workforce. The revamp aims to incorporate gardens, amenities, and upgraded energy and water systems to make the workplace more attractive as the bank continues to support hybrid working.Read more

14 Sep 2025

CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT raised USD 322 million in an oversubscribed IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, issuing 400 million units at 5.718 yuan each, surpassing its initial target by 7%. Major buyers included insurers, strategic investors, and securities firms, while CapitaLand Investment retained a 20% stake. Institutional and retail demand was extremely high, with subscriptions exceeding estimates by hundreds of times. The IPO aligns with CapitaLand Investment's strategy to utilize local capital for fund growth and recurring fee income. CLCR will become China's first internationally sponsored retail REIT.Read more

14 Sep 2025

U.S. officials have issued warnings about potential hidden communication devices in solar-powered highway infrastructure, including traffic cameras, EV chargers, roadside weather stations, and visitor areas. A recent advisory from the Federal Highway Administration highlighted that undocumented cellular radios were found in certain foreign-made power inverters and battery management systems. Authorities caution that these devices could be remotely tampered with and may pose data security risks. The alert follows earlier findings in both the U.S. and Europe and is part of ongoing scrutiny of foreign technology, particularly Chinese equipment, in American transportation and energy systems.Read more

13 Sep 2025

Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG), a leading online property portal, is under preliminary review by the Swiss competition authority COMCO, which is examining whether its platform operations could restrict competition. SMG stated it is in regular contact with the authority and that no formal investigation has been launched. The inquiry follows reports by Inside Paradeplatz and comes amid SMG's plans to list on the stock exchange. The informal review reflects the growing regulatory attention on digital real estate platforms in Switzerland.Read more

13 Sep 2025

DTEK has launched Ukraine's largest battery storage project, investing 125 million euros (USD 146.13 million) to secure electricity supply amid ongoing Russian attacks. Six systems in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk, built with U.S.-based Fluence, can store 400 megawatt hours of electricity, enough for 600,000 households for two hours. The storage systems will help prevent outages and improve grid stability, emphasizing the growing importance of storage alongside power generation. The project also strengthens DTEK's efforts to modernize Ukraine's energy infrastructure, ensuring reliable electricity for both households and industries in a conflict-affected environment.Read more

13 Sep 2025

Italy and the United States have agreed to expand cooperation on liquefied natural gas (LNG), aiming to improve supply security in Europe. The two countries committed to supporting investment in LNG infrastructure in Italy and export facilities in the U.S., while ensuring steady shipments to Europe. Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin underlined the reliability of U.S. LNG supply routes compared with other regions facing instability. This agreement follows earlier talks between leaders of both countries and comes alongside Italy's growing role in supporting EU plans to cut Russian gas dependence.Read more

12 Sep 2025

Centurion Accommodation REIT is eyeing a valuation of up to SGD 1.51 billion (USD 1.18 billion) in its Singapore IPO, making it one of the city-state's largest listings this year. The REIT aims to raise SGD 771.1 million through the sale of 216.2 million shares to institutional investors at SGD 0.88 each, alongside 614 million units secured by cornerstone investors. Spun off from Centurion Corp, the REIT manages purpose-built worker accommodations in Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Backed by DBS, UBS, and FIL Investment Management, the offering reflects renewed investor confidence and marks another milestone for Singapore's strengthening equities market.Read more

12 Sep 2025

Evergrande's liquidators have received preliminary bids for their majority stake in the company's property services unit, valued at around USD 1.28 billion. Final offers are expected by November, following confidentiality agreements with multiple interested parties. Shares surged after the announcement but moderated by mid-week. State-owned companies are reportedly interested, although some have denied bidding. Evergrande Services has been heavily affected by China's ongoing real estate slowdown, with stock prices dropping over 95% since 2021. The sale is part of the broader effort to stabilize Evergrande and reduce its debt.Read more