26 Dec 2025

France's Louvre museum has strengthened security after a high-profile burglary in October, when thieves stole crown jewels worth an estimated USD 102 million. The break-in exposed serious security lapses at the world's most visited museum, as burglars accessed the Apollo Gallery balcony using a movers lift and escaped within minutes. Authorities have now installed security bars on the balcony entrance, increased police presence near the glass pyramid, and announced plans to add 100 more surveillance cameras next year. Police have identified several suspects, though the stolen jewels remain missing. The incident has raised wider concerns about the Louvre's ageing infrastructure, following recent issues including gallery closures, water damage and staff strikes.Read more

25 Dec 2025

Tata group's Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) will open its first Taj hotel in Cairo, a 300-key property at Opera Square featuring dining, wellness, and event facilities. The move aligns with IHCL's international growth strategy, targeting key global gateway cities. Cairo's historical and strategic location makes it an ideal choice, noted IHCL CEO Puneet Chhatwal. The property, owned by state enterprise EGOTH, will be redeveloped to international standards, combining local legacy with IHCL's hospitality expertise. This marks a continued push for Taj's presence globally, following successful expansions in London, New York, and Dubai.Read more

25 Dec 2025

Australia-based Goodman Group has entered into a major partnership with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board to develop large-scale data centres across key European markets. The joint venture, valued at AUD 14 billion or about USD 9.3 billion, will focus on four projects in Germany, the Netherlands and France. The move strengthens Goodman's growing role in AI-led digital infrastructure and marks CPPIB's first data centre investment in Europe. With power secured and approvals in place, construction is planned to begin before mid-2026, supporting rising demand from hyperscalers.Read more

25 Dec 2025

Germany's residential property market has posted a fourth straight quarterly increase, with prices between July and September rising 3.3% year-on-year, according to official data. The gains highlight a steady recovery after a sharp slump between early 2022 and 2024, when prices fell by about 13%. Urban areas and large cities saw the strongest growth, particularly for single-family and two-family homes, while rural regions also recorded gains. Analysts expect moderate price increases to continue over the next few years.Read more

25 Dec 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to leave Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri after more than 50 years and relocate to Kansas, where a new domed stadium is planned for the 2031 NFL season. Backed by state legislation, the USD 3 billion project will be built in Wyandotte County, with new headquarters and training facilities in Olathe. Funded through a public-private partnership using STAR bonds, the move follows voters rejecting funding for Arrowhead renovations and signals a major shift in the region's professional sports landscape.Read more

25 Dec 2025

Hungary's forint steadied this week after central bank guidance suggested potential rate easing next year, recovering from a two-month low against the euro. The bank maintained its 6.5% policy rate while lowering the 2026 inflation forecast, supporting the currency's year-to-date gains of over 6%. Poland's zloty remained stable despite weaker-than-expected November retail sales, reflecting confidence in the broader economic outlook. Other Central European currencies showed mixed movements, regional stock indices posted modest changes, and government bond yields mostly fell. Analysts suggest domestic data may have limited impact on currency and rate expectations.Read more

24 Dec 2025

Japan's Sapporo Holdings is set to sell its real estate business to an investor consortium led by private equity firms KKR and PAG in a deal valued at over 400 billion yen. According to public broadcaster NHK, the transaction will see Sapporo divest more than half of the unit's shares, marking a major step in shedding non-core assets. The move follows sustained pressure from activist investors, including Singapore-based 3D Investment Partners, which had urged the company to spin off the real estate arm. The new owners are expected to focus on attracting tenants and improving profitability. Sapporo has not officially confirmed the deal, while KKR and PAG declined to comment.Read more

24 Dec 2025

China Vanke, a major state backed property developer, has sought further bond repayment relief in a move reflecting ongoing cash and liquidity pressures in the sector. Bondholders recently rejected its bid to delay the repayment of a 2 billion yuan onshore note by a year, even after Shenzhen Metro provided 22 billion yuan in support. They did approve extending the grace period to 30 trading days, giving Vanke extra time to negotiate. The company is also seeking similar extensions for a 3.7 billion yuan note. Analysts say this pattern mirrors strategies used by other Chinese developers before full debt restructuring becomes necessary.Read more

24 Dec 2025

Seatrium and Maersk have resolved a USD 475 million contract dispute over an offshore wind vessel meant for a U.S. project. Maersk had terminated the contract in October due to construction delays, leaving payment details uncertain. Under the agreement, Maersk will pay USD 360 million, with USD 250 million through a 10-year interest-bearing credit repayable from the vessel's revenue. Both parties have withdrawn all legal proceedings. The vessel is now 99.8% complete, allowing the project to move forward and supporting continued investment in U.S. renewable energy infrastructure.Read more

24 Dec 2025

Nivika Fastigheter AB has carried out a portfolio adjustment in Jonkoping by selling residential and office properties valued at SEK 597 million and acquiring four commercial properties worth about SEK 100 million. The move forms part of the company's broader strategy to refine its asset mix and focus on properties that support stable long-term performance. Jonkoping continues to be an important market for Nivika, and the transactions highlight its approach of recycling capital through selective divestments and reinvestments within established regions.Read more