Brazil has introduced a new housing credit framework aimed at expanding lending in the real estate sector. By loosening rules on the use of savings account deposits, 36.9 billion reais (USD 6.72 billion) is now available for immediate housing loans. The phased transition allows banks more flexibility while central bank estimates suggest 111 billion reais in new loans could be issued in the first year. Banks must still allocate a portion of savings deposits to housing loans, and most loans will remain under the capped-rate Housing Finance System, ensuring controlled interest rates.Read more

Big Yellow Group confirmed discussions with a few parties to explore strategic options, including a potential sale, though no formal offer has been made. This follows reports that Blackstone is assessing a possible cash bid, sending shares up 22% to 1,176 pence, their highest since late 2024, valuing the company at GBP 2.31 billion (USD 3.05 billion). Operating 111 storage facilities across the UK, Big Yellow has attracted attention due to relatively low valuations. Analysts note US REITs and private investors could also consider acquiring the firm.Read more

U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rates have eased to 6.30% this week, down slightly from last week and near last year's levels. The decline follows renewed Federal Reserve rate cuts amid a stagnant labor market, yet new home loan applications remain low as many homeowners focus on refinancing. Real estate data shows pending home sales fell 1.3% from last year, and homes are taking longer to sell. Buyers are delaying purchases, awaiting further rate reductions, while economic uncertainties, such as weak hiring and potential government shutdowns, are adding to their caution.Read more

Former Austrian billionaire Rene Benko is standing trial in Innsbruck this week in the first case related to the collapse of his real estate group, Signa. Prosecutors accuse him of trying to conceal around EUR 660,000 from creditors through unjustifiable rent payments and transfers to relatives. The investigation, which estimates total damages of about EUR 300 million, has been ongoing since Signa's downfall in 2023. Benko, who has been in custody since his arrest earlier this year, denies the charges. This case is one of several expected to follow as authorities examine Signa's finances.Read more

The United States and Finland have signed an agreement allowing the U.S. Coast Guard to acquire 11 icebreaker ships, with four built in Finland and up to seven in the U.S. using Finnish expertise. The INR 50,000 crore (USD 6.1 billion) deal aims to strengthen Arctic security, boost U.S. maritime investment, and create thousands of skilled jobs. Both leaders downplayed immediate Russian threats while emphasizing strategic importance. Finland, a global leader in icebreaker design and production, has long pursued such cooperation, which was previously limited by the Jones Act.Read more

HSBC plans to acquire the remaining 36.5% of Hang Seng Bank for USD 13.6 billion, valuing it at USD 37 billion. Hang Seng shares jumped 26%, while HSBC shares fell 6%. CEO Georges Elhedery stated the deal is strategic, not a bailout, and will allow the bank to streamline operations, align products, and strengthen shareholder value. Rising bad loans due to Hong Kong's property market were a factor, and HSBC will pause buybacks to maintain capital and CET1 ratio. Analysts see potential operational efficiencies and governance benefits.Read more

China's state-backed property developer Vanke announced that its chairman, Xin Jie, has stepped down from his position, and board member Huang Liping has been appointed as his successor. The change in leadership led to a short-term decline in the company's Hong Kong and Shenzhen share prices. Xin's resignation came less than a year after his appointment, during a period when the company continues to face weak sales and high debt obligations. Vanke recently reported a half-year loss of 12 billion yuan, reflecting the ongoing stress in China's property sector.Read more

Ibstock has warned that its annual profit will fall below earlier projections due to sustained weakness in the UK construction market, causing shares to drop nearly 15%. The company's clay and concrete division reported lower revenues in the third quarter, and sales in the second half are expected to mirror first-half levels. With core profits anticipated to remain steady at 35.5 million pounds (USD 47.17 million) for the latter half, cautious customer behavior and economic uncertainty continue to limit growth. The sector is further affected by slow residential development and fiscal uncertainties.Read more

Dubai's real estate market has maintained a strong upward trajectory, with the first nine months of this year showing substantial growth in both sales value and transaction volume. Total sales surged from AED104 billion in 2021 to AED499.1 billion, while deals rose from 43,200 to 158,400. Apartments, villas, plots, and commercial properties all saw notable gains in value and volume. Market experts note that property prices are increasing faster than the number of deals, reflecting robust investor confidence, market resilience, and the potential for long-term sustainable growth.Read more

Russia's Central Bank has criticised the state for breaching minority shareholders' rights during recent asset seizures, signaling the first pushback from within the Russian elite against the government's nationalisation process. The issue centers on gold miner UGC, where the state failed to make a legally required buyout offer, affecting both retail and institutional investors. Experts warn that such actions could undermine private property rights, investor confidence, and future public listings. With roughly USD 50 billion in assets seized since the start of the Ukraine conflict, tensions between market-oriented technocrats and state authorities are becoming increasingly visible.Read more