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

UK property markets are experiencing a subtle slowdown, with asking prices for homes falling slightly year-on-year for the first time since early last year. Southern England, where homes are more expensive, has driven much of the decline, though lower prices are helping sales. Rent growth has slowed to its lowest level in four years, with average monthly rents at 1,300 pounds (USD 1,761). Analysts attribute the slowdown to property tax uncertainty, reduced migration, and easier mortgage access for first-time buyers. Economic stagnation and stable interest rates are contributing to cautious activity in both buying and renting sectors.Read more

Citigroup has confirmed that the cost of refitting its 42-storey tower at Canary Wharf in London has risen to USD 1.5 billion, almost matching what it paid to acquire the property in 2019. The budget increase has been attributed to the decision to expand the workspace for a growing workforce. The revamp aims to incorporate gardens, amenities, and upgraded energy and water systems to make the workplace more attractive as the bank continues to support hybrid working.Read more

CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT raised USD 322 million in an oversubscribed IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, issuing 400 million units at 5.718 yuan each, surpassing its initial target by 7%. Major buyers included insurers, strategic investors, and securities firms, while CapitaLand Investment retained a 20% stake. Institutional and retail demand was extremely high, with subscriptions exceeding estimates by hundreds of times. The IPO aligns with CapitaLand Investment's strategy to utilize local capital for fund growth and recurring fee income. CLCR will become China's first internationally sponsored retail REIT.Read more