Hongkong Land has signed an agreement to divest its residential development arm, MCL Land, to a subsidiary of Malaysia's Sunway for SGD 739 million (about USD 578 million). The company plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet and raise its ongoing share buyback by USD 150 million, in addition to the USD 200 million programme already underway. The move forms part of Hongkong Land's long-term 2035 strategy to exit the build-to-sell; residential sector and prioritise ultra-premium commercial properties in major Asian cities. Despite this shift, Singapore continues to remain a core focus market.Read more

British homebuilder MJ Gleeson recorded a 17.3% fall in annual pretax profit to GBP 20.5 million (USD 27.9 million) for the fiscal year ending June 2025, affected by rising construction costs, flat selling prices, planning delays, and a failed land deal. Despite this, the company entered the new fiscal year with a strong forward order book of 845 plots, up from 597 at the end of December 2024. Analysts noted that the results indicate recovery potential, and shares rose 1.8% to 347 pence, reflecting positive investor sentiment.Read more

WaterBridge Infrastructure, backed by private equity firm Five Point, has raised USD 634 million through its IPO in the United States. The company sold 31.7 million shares at USD 20 each, pricing them at the top of its range of USD 17 to USD 20. This valued the Houston-based water management firm at about USD 2.3 billion. WaterBridge, which operates mainly in the Delaware Basin, handles produced water for major energy players including BPX Energy, Chevron, Devon Energy, EOG Resources and Permian Resources. J.P. Morgan and Barclays led the offering.Read more

Oman's ambassador to India has invited Indian businesses to invest in Khazaen Economic City, a large integrated hub being developed as part of the country's economic diversification strategy. He said Oman provides a predictable and cost-efficient environment for companies looking to expand into the Gulf and Indian Ocean Region. The Khazaen delegation presented opportunities in food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, logistics, textiles, and manufacturing. Located on the Muscat-Batinah Expressway, Khazaen offers modern infrastructure and good connectivity. Total investments in the project have already crossed USD 1 billion, with substantial foreign participation.Read more

New Zealand's housing market softened in August, with median home prices down 1.3% from July and 0.5% lower year-on-year, according to REINZ. National home sales also slipped 4.5% month-on-month, though they were up slightly from a year earlier. Despite the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cutting rates by 250 basis points since mid-2024 to revive an economy in recession, buyer confidence remains cautious. REINZ CEO Lizzy Ryley noted that rate cuts typically take time to influence activity. Analysts expect the cautious mood to persist, with only gradual improvement ahead. While optimism remains for recovery, growth will hinge on stronger confidence and economic stability.Read more

The US government is working on a wide-ranging plan to counter China's growing hold over global port assets. The strategy includes supporting Western companies to acquire Chinese stakes, reviewing key maritime chokepoints, reviving US shipbuilding, and tightening controls on vessels linked to China. Major Chinese state-owned enterprises such as COSCO, China Merchants, and SIPG already own or manage significant port infrastructure worldwide, including Greece's Piraeus Port. Washington has expressed concern about the security and supply chain risks of this dominance and is looking for ways to strengthen its maritime position.Read more

China's first provincial solar auction under a new pricing mechanism has drawn attention after bids in Shandong settled at 225 yuan (USD 31.58) per MWh, levels that analysts say may challenge project viability. The new system replaces guaranteed coal-linked returns with competitive bidding, raising concerns for developers in provinces with weaker power demand. Analysts believe while coastal provinces may still attract new investments, oversupply in regions like Shandong highlights risks for returns despite government efforts to introduce market-driven pricing.Read more

Tarsadia Capital has called on Sunstone Hotel Investors to either sell the company or liquidate its assets, citing its underperformance and small-scale portfolio as key concerns. The investment firm, which holds a 3.4% stake in Sunstone, has also sought a board overhaul and warned it could pursue a proxy battle if its demands are ignored. Tarsadia believes the current structure leaves Sunstone vulnerable to market pressures and natural disruptions, highlighting its stagnating stock value and uneven earnings as major risks.Read more

ALEC Holdings plans to sell a 20% stake in an IPO, aiming to raise around USD 400 million. The subscription period will open later this month, and shares are expected to debut on the Dubai Financial Market around mid-October. Post-IPO, ICD will retain 80% ownership. ALEC plans a AED 500 million (USD 136.13 million) dividend for 2026 and will continue semi-annual payouts with a minimum of 50% of net profit. The move takes place amid a booming construction sector, rising housing demand, and strong performance in Dubai's equity market.Read more

Iron ore futures declined this week due to persistent weakness in China's property sector, despite gains in steel benchmarks and steelmaking inputs. New home prices continued to fall, while new bank loans rebounded only modestly, showing subdued credit demand. Crude steel output decreased year-on-year, but iron ore recorded a third consecutive weekly gain supported by renewed steel mill activity after environmental production restrictions ended. Domestic construction steel demand is expected to improve slightly, helped by better weather and stronger financial conditions in non-property sectors, while coking coal, coke, and Shanghai Futures Exchange steel benchmarks posted positive movements.Read more