Britain's investment trusts, long trading at steep discounts to their net asset values, appear to be entering a potential recovery phase as shifting monetary policy, anticipated government reforms and growing activist engagement converge. After more than three years of double-digit discounts, the sector continues to weigh on the FTSE 250's performance, even as outflows from UK equities persist. Analysts indicated earlier this week that expected Bank of England rate cuts, combined with the government's forthcoming push to increase domestic equity participation, could help reduce chronic undervaluation. Meanwhile, activist campaigns are prompting boards to take more decisive action.Read more

SM Prime Holdings shared in a regulatory update earlier this week that its leisure arm, Costa Del Hamilo, will invest 3 billion pesos to build an eco-resort community in Batangas. The company said the project will be planned as an integrated coastal development with a focus on sustainable features. Costa Del Hamilo has been active in Nasugbu, Batangas for several years through its mixed residential and leisure estates. This new investment adds to its ongoing expansion in tourism-driven locations and supports growing interest in coastal living projects.Read more

BriQ Properties REIC recorded notable shareholder interest in its four-year dividend reinvestment program, with a little over half of its investors choosing to reinvest their interim dividends. The company confirmed that EUR 2.1 million from the interim dividend will support a capital increase aimed at reducing debt, while EUR 1.6 million will be distributed as cash. BriQ also plans to issue 743,016 new shares under the reinvestment schedule on Nov 27, a date that is still upcoming. The response reflects steady investor confidence in the long-term structure of the program.Read more

Sunteck Realty Ltd. has entered the UAE with the launch of Sunteck International and unveiled the exact location of its first project in Downtown Dubai-one of the area's most valuable remaining land parcels. The AED 5-billion development marks the start of the group's design-led global expansion, backed by two decades of architectural expertise and a 50-million-sq-ft portfolio in Mumbai. In a unique launch, Sunteck showcased the plot through a 1000-drone reveal instead of traditional renders, highlighting the site's significance near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Aligned with Dubai's rising luxury demand and supported by global design partners, the company plans over AED 15 billion in UAE projects in the next three years.Read more

China has agreed to invest about USD 1.4 billion to modernise the TAZARA railway in partnership with Zambia and Tanzania. The decision was finalised during China's Premier Li Qiang's recent visit to Zambia. The upgrade will cover the 1,860 km line, including tracks, bridges, tunnels, stations, and signalling systems. Freight capacity is expected to rise from roughly 100,000 tonnes a year to 2.4 million tonnes. The project is linked to a 30-year concession with CCECC and includes new locomotives, wagons, staff training, and long-term operational support.Read more

The earth intelligence sector has been witnessing a rapid shift as private climate-risk data firms experience heightened demand amid reduced scientific spending by the US administration. Real estate investors, energy companies and governments have increasingly been turning to private providers for climate analytics previously supported by publicly funded datasets. Companies such as Climate X, GHGSat, Fugro and Planet Labs have seen expansion in capital, revenue and scope of services, even as concerns grow around data accuracy and accessibility. Industry projections indicate substantial revenue growth for private data intelligence by 2030, supported by technological advancements and global climate-related pressures.Read more

International Holding Company (IHC), Abu Dhabi's largest listed conglomerate, conveyed to the U.S. Treasury earlier this week that it was interested in purchasing the foreign assets of Russian oil producer Lukoil. The expression of interest places IHC among a growing pool of global suitors, including ExxonMobil, Chevron and U.S. private equity firm Carlyle, following sanctions that disrupted Lukoil's overseas operations. Washington recently dismissed Swiss trader Gunvor as a bidder, leaving the field open. Lukoil's foreign portfolio spans multiple continents and contributes roughly 0.5% of global oil output, making it a significant target despite regulatory hurdles.Read more

U.S. existing home sales increased in October as lower mortgage rates encouraged buyers, though high home prices and unemployment continue to constrain the market. Sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.10 million units, slightly above forecasts, and first-time buyers accounted for 32% of transactions. Home inventory rose 10.9% year-over-year, but remains below pre-pandemic levels, with the median home price at USD 415,200. All-cash transactions grew, while distressed sales remained steady. Experts emphasize that first-time buyer participation still falls short of levels needed for a strong market.Read more

China's private REIT market has become a key funding alternative for developers struggling with liquidity pressures, with fundraising reaching USD 12 billion this year. Unlike public REITs, private REITs allow faster approvals and include office and hotel assets. Institutional investors are attracted by stable income and higher yields averaging 5%. While domestic distressed developers have yet to participate significantly, offshore firms like CapitaLand and Gaw Capital have shown interest. Analysts see growth potential, though high-quality asset access and sector vacancy issues pose ongoing challenges.Read more

Asda has raised USD 742 million through sale-and-leaseback deals on 24 stores and a depot to strengthen its finances and reduce debt. The supermarket, owned mainly by TDR Capital, will continue operating all sites under long-term lease agreements. With net debt of 3.8 billion pounds, Asda faces falling sales and declining market share, which dropped to 11.6% over a recent 12-week period. Competitor Aldi is rapidly closing the gap. The funds are intended to support business investment and stabilize operations ahead of the company's upcoming third-quarter results.Read more