Britain's housing market has slowed for the third consecutive month, with buyer demand and agreed sales staying negative. Uncertainty over finance minister Rachel Reeves' upcoming budget is adding to cautious sentiment across both property and business sectors. Landlords are offering fewer rental properties due to higher costs and proposed tenant rights legislation, while rents are expected to rise by around 3% in the coming year. Surveys also show businesses facing growing tax pressures and weakening confidence, reflecting broader economic challenges as the UK prepares for the November budget.Read more

UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch recently pledged to abolish the property purchase tax and implement a "golden rule" to reduce government borrowing through spending cuts. She proposed eliminating stamp duty on homes valued above GBP 125,000 (USD 167,500) while cutting GBP 47 billion annually from welfare, aid, and government workforce expenses. Half of the savings would reduce Britain's deficit, with the remainder directed to tax relief or spending. The proposals aim to boost economic activity, restore public trust in the Conservative Party, and signal a focus on fiscal responsibility and growth.Read more

Azerbaijan's sovereign wealth fund SOFAZ is investing USD 67 million in London's Gatwick airport in partnership with U.S.-based Global Infrastructure Partners. Gatwick, the UK's second-busiest airport, serves over 40 million passengers annually. SOFAZ's CEO emphasized that the deal aligns with the fund's strategy of acquiring resilient and high-value assets. The move follows earlier European investments, including a 49% stake in Italian solar plants. With total assets of USD 66.5 billion, SOFAZ continues to expand its international portfolio with strategic infrastructure and sustainable investments.Read more

Essar Energy Transition (EET) has expanded its retail operations in the UK through an agreement to supply fuel to 47 Harvest Energy (Dealerships) Ltd forecourts. Operating the Stanlow refinery in North-West England, EET, via its retail division EET Retail, will manage fuel delivery to these dealer-owned and operated forecourts. This move ensures continuity and resilience of supply following the closure of the Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. The agreement aligns with EET Retail's strategy to grow its Essar-branded outlets and strengthen its national presence while enhancing customer convenience.Read more

Vietnam's State Treasury raised USD 232 million in a recent government bond auction, with sales substantially higher than the previous week. Nearly half of the bonds on offer were sold, bringing total government bond issuance for the year to USD 9.67 billion, aimed at funding public investment projects. While short- and medium-term bonds saw strong demand, long-term bonds attracted limited interest. Corporate bond issuance also remains robust, with significant activity in September and notable upcoming maturities in the real estate and banking sectors, highlighting the country's active debt market.Read more

LML Realty's upcoming Industrial Park in Haryana has received approval under the PADMA Scheme, positioning it as a major growth hub for MSMEs and startups aligned with the Make in India initiative. The park, strategically located with direct connectivity to key industrial corridors and IGI Airport, will provide plots starting at INR 75 lakh. With financial incentives exceeding INR 2 crore per unit including subsidies, tax exemptions, and collateral-free funding enterprises gain significant support. The project also features sector-neutral clusters, plug-and-play units, R&D facilities, and innovation assistance, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for industrial growth.Read more

Saint-Gobain has announced plans to invest about 12 billion euros (USD 14 billion) for business expansion through organic growth and acquisitions under its 2026-2030 strategy. The company will also allocate around 8 billion euros for shareholder returns, including dividends and share buybacks. It aims to grow its construction chemicals segment and expand in North America, Asia, and emerging markets, expecting these regions to contribute nearly 60% of sales in the long term. Financial targets include mid-single-digit sales growth and a core profit margin of 15-18%.Read more

Keppel REIT is acquiring a 75% stake in Sydney's Top Ryde City Shopping Centre for AUD 393.8 million (USD 259 million), marking its entry into non-discretionary retail. Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected to be completed by early 2026. Valued at AUD 6,813 per square meter, the fully-leased property is projected to deliver a 6.7% initial yield. To fund the purchase, Keppel REIT has initiated a private placement to raise at least AUD 113 million, with part of it allocated for the acquisition.Read more

Maynilad Water Services Inc., the Philippines' largest private water concessionaire, is preparing an IPO worth up to INR 25.3 billion (USD 438 million), which could become the country's largest listing this year. Sources indicate that Cornerstone Investors are expected to acquire over half of the offering, signaling strong institutional confidence. The IPO price is set between INR 14-15 per share, with trading expected on the Philippine Stock Exchange in early November. Proceeds will be directed towards water and wastewater projects, capital expenditure, and general corporate purposes, strengthening the company's infrastructure and operations.Read more

MMC Port Holdings has postponed its IPO to next year to include full-year 2025 financial results. Originally planned for late 2025, the offering was expected to raise over USD 1.5 billion, making it Malaysia's largest IPO since 2012. The delay is aimed at providing more comprehensive financial disclosures and reflecting recent operational developments, though investor interest remains strong. The IPO involves the sale of 4.3 billion existing shares by MMC Corp, which will retain a 70% stake. MMC Port operates five major ports, three cruise terminals, and other shipping facilities, reporting a net profit of 636.6 million ringgit in 2024.Read more