Saudi Arabia is reportedly steering its USD 925 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF) away from real estate gigaprojects that have dominated its Vision 2030 agenda over the past decade. The revised strategy aims to emphasise sectors such as logistics, mineral exploration, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and religious tourism. The shift reflects mounting pressure on PIF to deliver stronger near-term returns following delays in large-scale developments like NEOM and other futuristic ventures under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic diversification initiative.Read more

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured multiple power infrastructure contracts in Saudi Arabia valued between INR 2,500 crore and INR 5,000 crore. The orders include building a gas-insulated substation and developing over 420 km of overhead transmission lines. These projects are part of Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), which aims to modernize and strengthen the national electricity grid to integrate renewable power. The development also reinforces L&T's growing presence in the Middle East's power transmission sector.Read more

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially closed its investigation into seven leading housebuilders Barratt Redrow, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Bellway, Berkeley Group, Bloor Homes, and Vistry Group after accepting binding commitments to address concerns of possible anticompetitive conduct. The firms have jointly agreed to contribute GBP 100 million (USD 134 million) to affordable housing schemes, stop sharing confidential pricing information, and strengthen compliance systems. The CMA decided to close the case without concluding whether competition law had been breached, marking the end of a months-long inquiry.Read more

Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, reported a profit of about USD 103 billion in the third quarter, marking a 5.8% return on investment. The growth was mainly supported by strong equity performance in sectors such as basic materials, telecommunications, and finance. The fund's return was slightly below its benchmark index by 0.06 percentage point. With a diversified portfolio spanning equities, bonds, real estate, and renewable energy, the fund continues to reflect steady global investment performance.Read more

Privately held Cygnet Energy Ltd. has announced an all-cash acquisition of Kiwetinohk Energy Corp. in a deal valued at about CAD 1.4 billion (around USD 998.29 million), including debt. The offer values Kiwetinohk at CAD 24.75 per share, reflecting a 10.4 percent premium to its last closing price. The merger will combine their operations in Alberta's Montney and Duvernay regions, creating a stronger producer with over 44,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The transaction is being funded by NGP Energy Capital Management and The Carlyle Group and is expected to close in late December.Read more

The FBI recently searched the Newport Beach offices of Continuum Analytics, a California-based real estate investment firm tied to defaulted loans worth around USD 160 million. The loans, linked to Cantor Group funds, were reported by Zions Bancorporation and Western Alliance Bank. Legal correspondence indicates that a grand jury has been convened and that both banks have filed separate lawsuits against the guarantors of the Cantor funds. The ongoing probe adds to growing concerns about financial exposure in commercial real estate lending.Read more

CoStar Group, a leading U.S.-based real estate data and analytics firm, raised its 2025 revenue forecast to USD 3.23-3.24 billion, up from an earlier USD 3.14-3.16 billion, after exceeding third-quarter expectations. The company reported USD 834 million in revenue, above estimates of USD 813.1 million, and adjusted earnings of 23 cents per share, surpassing projections. Net new bookings rose 92% year-on-year to USD 84 million, driven by growth in its Homes.com and other subscription platforms. Despite strong results, shares dipped nearly 3% in after-hours trading. Ongoing legal matters with Zillow and other cases continue, but CoStar's diversified platforms and strong client base underpin its long-term growth momentum.Read more

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