22 Apr 2026

Canada's benchmark TSX index ended lower in the past week after a recent six-week high, as weakness in consumer-focused stocks outweighed gains in energy and real estate. Rising oil prices, driven by global supply concerns linked to geopolitical tensions, remained a key factor influencing investor sentiment. While the energy sector benefited from higher crude prices, real estate stocks also gained momentum following a major acquisition deal. Market participants remained cautious about the longer-term economic impact of sustained high oil prices and ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Wipro Limited has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire select customer contracts of Alpha Net Consulting LLC and its subsidiaries for a total consideration of up to USD 70.8 million. The transaction, expected to close by the end of June 2026, includes an earnout component linked to performance conditions. The acquisition will provide Wipro access to key client relationships, associated workforce, and ongoing contracts, strengthening its AI-powered and consulting-led application services capabilities. The acquired portfolio reported revenues rising from USD 27.9 million in 2023 to USD 37.3 million in 2025, reflecting steady growth across global markets.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Switzerland's Federal Council has proposed stricter regulations on real estate purchases by foreign nationals, particularly targeting buyers from outside the EU and EFTA. The draft amendments to the Lex Koller law introduce permit requirements for primary residences, mandatory resale conditions and restrictions on investment-driven acquisitions. The proposals are currently under public consultation until mid-July and are aimed at addressing housing shortages and rising immigration pressures. Additional measures include curbs on holiday home purchases and limits on commercial property acquisitions for rental purposes. The move reflects policy efforts to regulate foreign participation in the housing market amid concerns over affordability and infrastructure strain.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Choice Properties REIT and KingSett Capital have announced a joint acquisition of First Capital REIT in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately USD 6.85 billion, including debt. The deal involves splitting First Capital's portfolio, with Choice acquiring grocery-anchored retail assets and KingSett taking over the remaining properties as a private investment. The transaction offers shareholders a mix of cash and stock at a premium to the previous closing price. The move reflects continued investor interest in stable, necessity-driven retail assets across Canada's urban markets.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Prologis has increased its full-year core funds from operations (FFO) forecast, supported by consistent demand for logistics and warehouse spaces. The company reported stable leasing activity and strong interest from retailers, manufacturers, and data centre operators. Quarterly performance slightly exceeded market expectations, with higher revenue and marginally better FFO per share. Growth in artificial intelligence infrastructure and digital facilities has also contributed to demand. The revised outlook now stands above analyst estimates, reflecting confidence in leasing momentum and expansion in data centre development.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Private equity firm TPG has invested USD 100 million in US-based student transportation company Zum, valuing it at around USD 1.7 billion. The investment, made through TPG's Rise Fund, marks a notable increase from Zum's earlier valuation of USD 1.3 billion in its previous funding round. The company recently achieved breakeven at the EBITDA level and continues to expand its services across schools in multiple states. The fresh capital will support geographic expansion, technology development, and potential acquisitions, while also positioning the company for long-term growth.Read more

21 Apr 2026

The UK economy expanded at a faster pace than anticipated in the three months leading up to February, supported by stronger monthly performance. Official data showed a 0.5% rise in GDP, exceeding market expectations of 0.2%. Growth in February alone also came in significantly higher than forecasts, indicating improved economic activity across sectors. The latest figures suggest some short-term resilience in the UK economy despite ongoing global uncertainties, inflation pressures, and interest rate concerns that have affected growth trends in recent quarters.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Equinor has indicated that its Marketing, Midstream and Processing (MMP) division is expected to report stronger-than-guided earnings for the first quarter. The unit, which includes energy trading operations, is likely to exceed the company's earlier guidance of USD 400 million in adjusted operating profit. The update comes ahead of the company's scheduled earnings announcement on May 6, when investors will assess the impact of tighter crude markets and internal structural changes. Industry trends show that oil price volatility during the quarter supported trading gains across major European energy companies.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Maine has become the first US state to approve a moratorium on large-scale data centres, pausing new developments above 20 megawatts amid rising concerns over energy demand, environmental impact and infrastructure strain. The legislation, passed in the past week, will halt approvals until late 2027 while a state-appointed council evaluates the sector's impact on electricity grids, water usage and local communities. The move comes as AI-led demand accelerates data centre investments across the US, with tech firms committing significant capital to expand capacity. The decision reflects growing resistance to hyperscale infrastructure, even as governments and industry continue to view data centres as critical to digital and AI ecosystems.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Recent updates from France and the Benelux region indicate stable performance across real estate, construction, and telecom sectors. Covivio reported steady revenue and high occupancy, reflecting resilience in property demand. Kaufman & Broad maintained stable earnings outlook with consistent margins, while Vinci secured a large infrastructure contract in the Czech Republic, strengthening its order book. Meanwhile, Proximus announced a leadership change, and Exail Technologies saw strong growth driven by its robotics segment.Read more