14 Dec 2025

A Norges Bank survey indicates that Norwegian companies have experienced a slight decline in capacity utilisation over the past three months and are anticipating slower growth in early 2026. Low housing construction, weak government demand, international trade tensions, and the completion of oil projects are expected to affect expansion. Employment plans have been modestly revised down, while wage growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 were adjusted to 4.4% and 4.1%, respectively. Recent data also showed core inflation easing more than expected, reflecting a stabilising economic environment.Read more

14 Dec 2025

American Hotel Income Properties REIT LP announced a leadership change as John O’Neill stepped in as the new Chief Executive Officer. The company confirmed that Jonathan Korol resigned from the role earlier this week, leading to an immediate transition. AHIP, which owns a portfolio of select-service hotels across the United States and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, stated that the change was put in place without delay to ensure continuity in management. The appointment marks a significant shift for the REIT, which has undergone several operational adjustments over recent years to strengthen its performance.Read more

14 Dec 2025

Copper prices rebounded sharply as investors anticipated Chinese government support for the country's property sector, which consumes significant industrial metals. The rebound follows a brief decline after copper hit record levels recently. Analysts highlighted persistent deflationary pressures and weak domestic demand in China, strengthening expectations of further stimulus. Supply disruptions and tighter flows to the U.S. have already pushed copper prices up by over 30% this year. Other metals, including aluminium, lead, tin, zinc, and nickel, displayed mixed movements amid continued market volatility and policy uncertainties.Read more

14 Dec 2025

Axiom Properties Ltd has entered into a binding commercial agreement with Ray White Avi Khan Group to deploy its embedded payments and automation solutions across the group's sales and property management divisions. The collaboration aims to streamline payment processes, automate routine operations, and provide real-time insights to enhance decision-making and customer experience. The deal reflects growing adoption of technology in Australia's real estate sector and strengthens Axiom's presence in property technology, while helping Ray White Avi Khan optimize workflow, improve transparency, and boost efficiency across its operations.Read more

14 Dec 2025

Berkeley recorded a 7.7% decline in pre-tax profit for the first half of its fiscal year, reaching USD 338 million, while home deliveries fell to 2,022 units at an average price of £570,000. The drop was influenced by high borrowing costs, cautious buyer sentiment, and new luxury home taxes. Despite these challenges, the company retained its annual guidance of £450 million and outlined plans to launch a build-to-rent platform in 2026, indicating confidence in London’s long-term housing demand and strategies to diversify revenue streams.Read more

14 Dec 2025

Swakop Uranium and NamWater have launched a joint venture to build Namibia’s second desalination plant near Swakopmund, aiming to support the Husab uranium mine and surrounding communities in the Erongo region. The 20 million cubic-meter facility, in planning since 1998, will provide a stable and cost-efficient water supply for industrial and community use. Swakop Uranium owns 70% of the project, with NamWater holding 30%. Estimated at around 3 billion Namibian dollars (USD 176 million), the plant reflects Namibia’s focus on water security and international collaboration in strategic sectors.Read more

14 Dec 2025

Emerging market assets recorded modest gains ahead of an anticipated U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut, with MSCI emerging market stocks rising 0.33% and currencies climbing 0.1%. Ukraine's approval to swap USD 2.6 billion in growth-linked warrants for new bonds eased a long-standing market overhang. European and Asian markets reacted to political developments, inflation data, and trade negotiations. China's real estate shares surged 5.9% amid weak domestic demand and calls for additional policy support, while markets in South Korea and Indonesia monitored currency stability and ongoing U.S. trade discussions.Read more

13 Dec 2025

Swedish real estate firm NP3 Fastigheter AB completed the purchase of 12 commercial properties across multiple cities at a combined value of SEK 442 million (approx. USD 38 million), before accounting for deferred tax. These properties, largely intended for retail and industrial use, add 41,400 square metres of lettable space with full occupancy and an average lease term of 6.3 years. Most assets have already been taken over, with two in Karlstad scheduled for transfer in early 2026. This transaction reflects NP3’s ongoing acquisition strategy and contributes to its diversified portfolio in Middle Sweden and beyond.Read more

13 Dec 2025

Far East Hospitality Trust has secured a SGD 101.4 million sustainability-linked facility with an institutional bank, marking a significant step in integrating ESG targets with financial operations. The facility links borrowing costs to the achievement of sustainability benchmarks, supporting energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and responsible practices across its portfolio. This move reflects a broader trend among Singaporean and regional REITs, which increasingly adopt sustainability-linked financing to enhance operational flexibility and align with investor expectations. By combining financial strategy with environmental responsibility, the trust is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth in the hospitality sector.Read more

13 Dec 2025

South Korea is moving forward with plans for a 4.5 trillion won (USD 3.06 billion) semiconductor foundry to support local chip production and innovation. The facility, backed by government and private investment, will allow fabless companies to develop and test AI chips while boosting domestic defence semiconductor manufacturing. A special committee under President Lee Jae Myung will oversee policies and investments to ensure South Korea retains its global semiconductor leadership. The initiative strengthens memory chip production, supports emerging chip designers, and reduces reliance on imported components in strategic sectors.Read more