First Busey Corporation reported a notable increase in its third-quarter net income to USD 57.1 million, compared with USD 47.4 million in the previous quarter. The company repurchased around 580,000 shares worth USD 13.5 million, reflecting financial strength and confidence. Management stated that the ongoing balance sheet optimisation would likely be completed by year-end, despite facing continued pressure from commercial real estate payoffs through 2025.Read more

Ericsson has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) to introduce 5G and Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) technologies across the Kingdom's rail network. The collaboration includes deploying 5G-based infrastructure, developing applications such as real-time video, train control, and IoT connectivity, and establishing an innovation centre for testing new solutions. It also focuses on training SAR's workforce in advanced communication systems. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and its National Transport & Logistics Strategy to modernise and digitise the transport sector.Read more

Construction services firm Orion reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, supported by solid execution and improved performance in its marine segment. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of USD 0.09, surpassing analysts' estimate of USD 0.05, while adjusted EBITDA stood at USD 13.10 million compared to expectations of USD 12.98 million. Contract revenues reached USD 225.09 million. Following this performance, Orion raised its full-year 2025 guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EPS. The firm also expanded its bonding capacity by USD 400 million and plans to sell its East and West Jones property to lower costs and debt.Read more

Two Harbors Investment Corp reported a comprehensive loss during the past quarter, primarily driven by a litigation settlement expense of around USD 175.1 million. Despite this, the company achieved a 7.6% quarterly economic return on book value after excluding litigation charges. Two Harbors expanded its subservicing business by selling USD 30 billion in unpaid principal balance (UPB) of mortgage servicing rights (MSR) on a retained basis and recorded steady growth in its direct-to-consumer originations platform. Analysts maintained a generally positive outlook on the stock.Read more

Mozambique's cabinet has yet to take a decision on the revised budget and schedule for the USD 20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project led by TotalEnergies. The project, suspended since 2021 following militant attacks in Cabo Delgado province, has seen its estimated cost rise by about USD 4.5 billion. TotalEnergies and its consortium partners have requested a 10-year extension of the development and production period to offset delays. Government officials said the LNG sector remains a national priority, but no date has been set for formal approval.Read more

Pending home sales in the U.S. remained unchanged in September, as economic uncertainty and a weak labour market outweighed the benefits of falling borrowing costs. The National Association of Realtors reported no monthly change, following a 4.2% rise in August, while sales were down 0.9% year-on-year. Regionally, contracts fell in the Midwest and West, but rose in the South and Northeast. The average 30-year mortgage rate eased to 6.30%, yet affordability issues kept buyers cautious. Analysts cited the ongoing government shutdown, rising unemployment, and job cuts as key drags on sentiment. While refinancing surged, new home purchases lagged, underscoring a fragile housing recovery amid persistent economic headwinds.Read more

Hong Kong home prices rose 1.3% month-on-month, marking the sixth consecutive monthly gain and the strongest increase since March 2024, according to the Rating and Valuation Department. The property-price index has now turned positive for the year, up 1.1% since December. This follows a sharp 30% decline from the 2021 peak, driven by high mortgage rates and weak demand. Recent rate cuts by major banks and relaxed housing curbs have begun to stabilise the market. Analysts suggest prices may have reached a bottom, though recovery will hinge on further interest rate cuts and an easing of U.S.-China trade tensions.Read more

The UAE and Oman have signed an agreement to launch the region's first dedicated cross-border freight rail service, linking Abu Dhabi and Sohar. The deal between Hafeet Rail and Noatum Logistics will see seven container trains per week, each carrying 276 TEUs, enabling an annual capacity of nearly 193,200 TEUs. The service will transport goods such as manufactured items, food, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, reducing costs, transit time, and carbon emissions. Announced at Global Rail 2025, the project supports both nations' sustainability and diversification goals, marking a milestone in green logistics and regional trade integration, and positioning the UAE-Oman corridor as a model for efficient, eco-friendly freight transport.Read more

Universal Health Realty Income Trust recorded a stable net income of USD 4 million in its recent quarter, with earnings per share unchanged at USD 0.29. The company's funds from operations increased by USD 908,000, primarily due to a one-time settlement related to a medical office building. A nonrecurring depreciation expense of USD 900,000 impacted overall income. Universal Health Realty also announced a new building project in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, though no specific financial guidance was provided for the upcoming periods.Read more

Poland's oil-terminal operator Naftoport, majority-owned by state pipeline firm PERN, plans to build a new jetty at its Gdansk terminal beginning this year. When it comes online in the latter half of 2028, the facility's annual capacity will rise to about 49 million metric tons. The expansion aims to relieve pressure on existing infrastructure, as the terminal has been near full capacity since 2023, and will enable Germany's refineries such as PCK Schwedt and Leuna to shift fully to seaborne crude. Throughput this year is projected to exceed 39 million metric tons and remain steady into 2026.Read more