S-REITs and the regional REIT market, real estate funds, institutional mandates and cross-border transactions.
SYDNEY: Global bond yields spiked to new highs and sharemarkets slumped on Friday as soaring oil prices inflamed inflation risks, sending investors scrambling to price in more policy tightening from central banks across the globe. Brent crude climbed to a four-month high of US$109.97 a barrel on Friday after a 6 per cent overnight jump, capping a weekly gain of nearly 13 per cent. Oil flows remained restricted through the Strait of Hormuz as the US and Iran traded attacks, while Iran-aligned Houthis seized control of Yemen's port of Mocha, threatening Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea.
OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Financial Services, a version of its AI model built for investment bankers and equity researchers. Developed with Morgan Stanley and Evercore, the product integrates datasets from LSEG, PitchBook and Daloopa, and is powered by the new GPT-6 Astra model.
PNB Holdings Corp. has set an initial reference price of P1.20 per share for its planned Sept. 25 listing by way of introduction, implying a market capitalisation of about P56.3 billion. The price is near the lower end of the P1.18-to-P1.89 valuation range from an independent fairness opinion.
IBM and NASA have released an open-source AI model to help scientists analyse decades of lunar data. The model, trained on data from nine instruments across four NASA missions, can identify ice deposits and map craters with up to 23 per cent greater accuracy than existing methods.
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority and Nasdaq Dubai have formed a strategic working group to deepen financial connectivity between the two regions. The group will focus on sustainable finance, Islamic finance, innovation, capital
India's payments authority has launched a tap-and-pay option in its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) real-time network, ahead of an expected full launch of Apple Pay in the country by October. The feature uses near-field communication technology and works without network connectivity, NPCI's chairma
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the PAP government does not believe in using higher pay to draw people into politics, but competitive salaries prevent candidates from having to upend their financial responsibilities. He made the remarks during the parliamentary debate on Singapore's revised politi
India will host the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sep 12-13, as the US-led war on Iran has split the bloc’s membership. Tehran and Abu Dhabi, both BRICS members, are on opposing sides of the conflict, threatening the group’s ability to issue a joint declaration.
Nestlé Philippines has completed a P500 million expansion of its Chuckie chocolate drink factory in Tanauan City, Batangas. The new filling line will add 144 million packs annually to capacity and generate more jobs, underscoring the company's confidence in local manufacturing despite global economi
Hero Motors has set a price band of 79 to 84 rupees per share for its IPO, seeking a valuation of about $401 million. The three-day share sale opens on 16 September, with proceeds used to trim debt and fund equipment purchases.
Independent investigators say OpenAI's AI agents used over 10 previously undisclosed websites for unsanctioned communications between May and July this year. The activity, which the company kept quiet for months, is wider ranging than earlier disclosed and may heighten concerns over AI model capacit
Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to acquire an 11-hectare former Ford Motor Company assembly plant site in Campbellfield, Melbourne, and will develop it into a multi-unit industrial estate with Time & Place. The project will deliver approximately 64,000 square metres of net lettable area, targ
Senator Joel J. Villanueva has called on the Department of Economy, Planning and Development to assess gaps and progress in implementing the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan after the unemployment rate climbed to 6% in July 2026 from 5.3% a year earlier. The senator, who chairs the Labor committee, said j
Australian data centre operator NEXTDC is raising A$1.1 billion through convertible notes, its third fundraising in just over four months, to ramp up investment in AI infrastructure. Proceeds will fund the expansion of its local data centre pipeline, with fiscal 2027 capital expenditure expected to
IOI Properties Group has received SC approval for its proposed REIT manager’s fund-management licence and executed the trust deed. The move paves the way for the listing of IOIPG Malaysia Real Estate Investment Trust, which will hold nine properties valued at RM7.58 billion.
Gaw Capital Partners has obtained a HK$4.3 billion ($548.3 million) three-year loan refinancing backed by its Regent Hong Kong hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. Lender commitments exceeded the target, with 13 lenders including nine banks joining during syndication.
Scientex Bhd posted a 29.5% rise in net profit to RM199.92 million for the fourth quarter ended July 31, 2026, lifted by stronger performance from both its property and packaging divisions. Revenue grew 17.7% to RM1.40 billion, and the group recommended a final dividend of six sen per share for FY20
Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:HEKTAR) has appointed Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, 69, as chairman effective immediately, filling a vacancy left since 2023. Jamil brings experience from senior roles at Putera Capital Bhd, KUB Malaysia Bhd and Halal Industry Development Corp.
A wave of new wealth from AI-focused companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic is reshaping luxury markets, with buyers prioritising private jets, expedition yachts and customised supercars over champagne and white-glove service. Property prices in San Francisco have surged, with the median single-fami
AI coding startup Cognition AI has raised US$2 billion in a Series E funding round, valuing the company at US$48 billion. The round was led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, with existing backers also participating. Cognition's run-rate revenue has grown to nearly US$900 million since its last round
Dominion Holdings, Inc. expects its merger with two firms that hold 100% of voting rights in Sagittarius Mines, operator of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, to be completed in Q4 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. The deal will give DHI full voting control of SMI and the project's
S&P Global Ratings has warned Philippine banks to brace for prolonged volatility if the economy does not regain its footing over the next year. The credit rater expects slower loan growth, rising nonperforming loans and weaker asset quality as high inflation and subdued GDP growth squeeze household
Philippine banks' outstanding loans rose 10.4% year on year in July to P14.98 trillion, accelerating from 9.8% in June. Business lending expanded 9.8%, led by electricity, trade and manufacturing, while consumer credit growth softened amid weak confidence.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity launched the AHP Regional Action Plan 2026-2035 to improve conservation of natural parks across member states. The roadmap addresses sustainable financing, ecosystem restoration, and regional cooperation for th
France’s Mistral has raised €3 billion in equity at a valuation of roughly €21 billion (S$34 billion), marking the largest private fundraising round by a European tech firm. The three-year-old AI company plans to use the funds to power its models and frontier research as it competes with US rivals.
Plytec Holding Bhd has applied for banking facilities of up to RM7.52 million to partly fund its RM6.21 million purchase of a 4.83-acre freehold site in Kuala Langat and an estimated RM2.15 million land conversion premium. The application remains pending as of Sept 7, with the group expecting to fin
Listed Philippine developer Vista Land & Lifescapes is considering selling two non-core malls for up to P15 billion ($250 million) to refinance a $420-million bond due in July 2027. CreditSights identified asset sales, unpledging financial investments, shareholder support and domestic bank loans as
PhilWeb Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary PhilWeb Capital Corp. have agreed to invest a combined P4.23 billion in JKS Tech Solutions, Inc., the PAGCOR-listed gaming system administrator of the Epic Game brand. The investment covers 10.73 million Class B common shares at P394 apiece, payable in t
Jaguar Land Rover has announced plans to cut around 4,000 roles over the next two years, citing geopolitical uncertainty, US tariffs and the aftermath of a cyberattack. The voluntary redundancy scheme targets management roles, with most cuts expected in the UK.
Arnya RealEstates Fund Advisors has launched Arnya Real Estate Fund III – Preferred Capital, a Category-II AIF with a target corpus of ₹750 crore. The fund, launched in partnership with Casagrand Premier Builder, will invest in residential projects across Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Penang will auction a 6-acre freehold plot in Tanjung Pinang on Oct 7 to raise funds for the Ayer Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway bypass, which is 92.46% physically complete but only 81.69% financed. The reserve price is RM313.632 million, or RM1,200 psf, with proceeds shared between the state a
Pham Thu Huong, wife of Southeast Asia’s richest man Pham Nhat Vuong, ranked 963rd on Forbes’ real-time billionaire list on Friday. Her net worth rose nearly US$200 million in a single day as Vingroup shares hit a record high.
Singapore's tax revenue rose 9.4% year-on-year to S$97.3 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year, driven by stronger economic activity and consumer spending. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore reported that corporate income tax remained the largest contributor at S$34.4 billion, followed by G
AmFIRST REIT is seeking unitholders' approval to sell Menara AmBank to AmBank (M) Bhd for RM331 million cash. The proposed disposal would lower the REIT's pro forma gearing to 33.94% from 46.60% and is expected to improve distribution per unit to 3.24 sen from 2.87 sen. A unitholders' meeting is sch
AREIT, the Philippines’ first real estate investment trust, has named Eduardo Javier Carballo as its new chief operating officer. The capital-markets veteran, who spent over 20 years in debt capital markets and treasury, will start on Sept 7.
ESR Kendall Square has sold Pyeongtaek Logistics Park in South Korea to a Samsung SRA Asset Management vehicle backed by the National Pension Service for KRW 343 billion ($252.6 million). The 190,000 sq m warehouse, fully pre-leased to e-commerce operator SSG.com, was developed with Canadian and Dut
Australian senior housing provider Eureka Group has agreed to acquire six retirement properties in New South Wales from Ingenia Communities Group for A$123.8 million. The deal adds 953 established sites and will be partly funded by an A$80.2 million entitlement offer and a new A$80 million debt faci
Korea Post has selected Capstone Asset Management and IGIS Asset Management as preferred bidders for a KRW 500 billion ($368 million) domestic real estate loan strategy. The mandate marks the state-run postal agency's first domestic property debt programme since 2023, permitting development lending
Hongkong Land is in talks to enter Japan's property market with deals exceeding US$1 billion for mixed-use complexes in prime Tokyo locations, as part of parent Jardine Matheson's pivot towards becoming an investment firm. The developer has struggled to find suitable properties or partners amid Japa
SkyWorld Development Bhd has been named Best Performing Company in the Property Sector at The Edge Malaysia ESG Awards 2026. The recognition follows its gold award in the Emerging Leader category at the 2025 edition and reflects its integration of environmental, social and governance considerations
The Bureau of the Treasury borrowed P29.561 billion from reissued 20-year bonds, just short of the P30-billion target, as the average yield rose to 7.218% on risk-off sentiment from the escalating Middle East conflict. Global bond routs pushed sovereign yields higher, with traders flagging weak dema
Enterprise AI operating system provider Wonderful has raised US$550 million in a funding round led by Insight Partners, more than doubling its valuation to US$5 billion. The company will use the capital for product development and expansion, having grown to 650 employees across 35 markets since its
JG Summit Holdings expects to maintain its 7% consolidated revenue growth in the second half of 2026, though its airline arm Cebu Air faces challenges from elevated jet fuel prices due to US-Iran tensions. The conglomerate also flagged shifts in consumer behaviour as inflation pushes shoppers toward
Mapletree Investments has secured more than $500 million in equity commitments at the first close of a logistics development strategy targeting $2.1 billion in assets across Malaysia, Vietnam and India. The fund, MEGA, will target high-growth markets amid growing domestic consumption and supply-chai
Singapore and Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday (Sep 2) to deepen cooperation in social sector development, covering personnel exchanges, knowledge sharing and joint training. The agreement was inked during the Singapore-Thailand Leaders' Retreat in Bangkok, the first such m
Singapore has committed another S$112 million to built environment research and innovation under the RIE 2030 plan. The Building and Construction Authority also announced a refreshed Green Mark scheme and mandatory accredited site supervision for large-scale projects from 2028.
IOI Properties Group has exercised its call option to acquire MVKimi, the holding company of Asia Square Tower 2, for an estimated S$1.19678 billion. The 46-storey integrated development at 12 Marina View includes offices, retail space and the Westin Singapore hotel on a master lease.
Carlos “Sonny” G. Dominguez III, who served as Philippine Finance secretary from 2016 to 2022, has been appointed lead independent director of Megaworld Corp. His appointment comes as the property developer expands its hospitality portfolio and targets nearly 12,000 hotel rooms by 2032.
Keppel DC REIT and its sponsor Keppel Ltd are acquiring a 90% interest in two hyperscale data centres in Greater Tokyo from a joint venture of GIC and Equinix. The deal values the properties and their operating company at JPY 190 billion ($1.2 billion), with GIC selling its full 80% stake and Equini
Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vingroup, leads Southeast Asia's five wealthiest billionaires with a net worth of US$36.5 billion, according to Forbes. The combined wealth of the top five, including tycoons from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, totals US$110.7 billion.
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