26 Oct 2025

Holcim, the Swiss building materials company, has acquired German walling specialist Xella for EUR 1.85 billion (around USD 2.16 billion) to strengthen its presence in Europe's growing refurbishment market. Xella, known for brands such as Ytong, Silka, Hebel, and Multipor, serves 21 European countries and employs over 4,000 staff. The acquisition, Holcim's largest in over four years, supports the company's strategy of focusing on sustainable construction and its higher-growth building products business. The deal is expected to be earnings accretive in its first year.Read more

25 Oct 2025

Kuwait has signed a USD 488.9 million contract with Turkish company Kuzu to construct and operate a wastewater treatment plant for South Al-Mutlaa city. The plant will use a hybrid system of conventional and renewable energy and produce around 400,000 cubic metres of tertiary-treated water daily for agriculture and other uses. The deal coincided with Turkish President Erdogan's visit to Kuwait, where agreements on defence, energy, investment, and trade were also signed. Al-Mutlaa city will feature over 28,000 housing units, highlighting the scale and significance of the project.Read more

25 Oct 2025

European shipping and logistics players are facing mounting headwinds as freight rates plunge to their lowest since early 2024 and demand remains weak. Ocean-container rates have collapsed largely due to oversupply and softer demand following U.S. tariff measures. Although container volumes grew about 4% in the January-to-August window, analysts say that spike reflected advance shipments ahead of tariffs and won't sustain rates. Firms such as DSV and Kuehne + Nagel are expected to report weaker quarterly results, while Maersk appears better insulated thanks to long-term contracts.Read more

25 Oct 2025

Thailand is set to fast-track investment projects worth THB 300 billion (USD 9.22 billion) over the next four months as part of efforts to boost the slowing economy. The 70 projects, focused on data centres, electronics, and power generation, will benefit from eased investment rules. The move complements recent government measures such as domestic travel incentives, aiming to raise economic growth above 2.2% this year. The acceleration responds to ongoing challenges including U.S. tariffs, high household debt, and a strong baht affecting overall economic activity.Read more

25 Oct 2025

Crown Castle Inc., a U.S.-based wireless tower operator, has raised its annual site rental revenue forecast for the second time this year, reflecting steady leasing demand from major carriers upgrading their networks to 5G. With around 40,000 towers across the U.S. and long-term agreements with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, the company now expects site rental revenue between USD 4.01 billion and USD 4.05 billion. In the latest quarter, it reported revenue of USD 1.01 billion and adjusted funds from operations of USD 1.12 per share, highlighting continued growth in its tower business.Read more

25 Oct 2025

German logistics companies are entering a period of limited growth, with real expansion projected at just 0.5%, according to BVL. For the first time, experts presented three scenarios, ranging from a 1.1% increase to a 0.4% contraction, highlighting economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Investment intentions remain stable, but overall sentiment is slightly negative. Key challenges include unpredictable trade policies and rising cyberattack risks. The sector is focusing on automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and manage operational risks amid emerging pressures.Read more

25 Oct 2025

The White House will submit plans for President Trump's 250 million USD ballroom to the National Capital Planning Commission, even as demolition work is already underway in the East Wing. While Trump promised the project would not affect existing structures, images of partial demolition raised public concern. The project, funded by Trump and private donors, is exempt from historic preservation review, drawing criticism from heritage experts and politicians. Tourists and officials have questioned the transparency and impact on historic structures, while the East Wing's proximity to a secure presidential facility adds further complexity.Read more

25 Oct 2025

JPMorgan Chase has launched its USD 3 billion, 60-story headquarters in Midtown Manhattan to strengthen employee recruitment and retention while setting a benchmark for global offices. The Park Avenue skyscraper can house 10,000 employees and features advanced technology, sustainable construction, and enhanced hospitality spaces, including a Michelin-starred vegan restaurant and an English-style pub. Over the past five years, the bank upgraded 125,000 workstations worldwide, with more planned. The project also underscores JPMorgan's economic contribution to New York City, Dimon's hands-on leadership, and the firm's focus on office-based work and employee experience.Read more

24 Oct 2025

Malaysia's Energy Minister confirmed that the 2,000-MW offshore wind project connecting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore aims to finish its first phase by 2034. The first phase will provide 700 MW for Malaysia's domestic use and export 1,300 MW to Singapore. The second phase will extend transmission lines from Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia through Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, but will be considered after evaluating energy needs and economic feasibility. The project reflects regional cooperation to expand renewable energy, strengthen cross-border electricity trade, and support Southeast Asia's growing power demand.Read more

24 Oct 2025

Earlier this week, Uganda disclosed plans to borrow about USD 2.34 billion from multiple lenders, including the World Bank, Standard Chartered, and Citi, to fund crucial infrastructure projects. The financing will primarily support the construction of electricity transmission lines and roads in the oil-rich Albertine region. This large-scale borrowing aims to boost the country's energy and transport capacity but has triggered fresh debate over Uganda's rising public debt and its implications for economic stability and social spending.Read more