Global Pulse

分类： business

  • 7 in 10 UAE residents plan to buy property this year: Are you one of them?

    7 in 10 UAE residents plan to buy property this year: Are you one of them?

    A significant majority of UAE residents are actively planning property acquisitions despite ongoing market price uncertainties, according to recent survey data. Property Finder’s bi-monthly Market Pulse research, conducted across November and December 2025 with 5,540 participants, reveals that seven out of ten residents intend to purchase real estate within the coming six-month period.

    The survey indicates a nuanced shift in buyer expectations regarding property valuations. During November, 40% of respondents anticipated price declines, while 32% projected increases and 28% expected market stability. By December, expectations moderated slightly with 39% forecasting decreases, 32% still predicting growth, and 29% anticipating unchanged prices. This represents a subtle but notable change from the September-October period when price decline expectations consistently ranged between 39-40%.

    Market analysts observe that while purchasers demonstrate heightened price consciousness, this awareness hasn’t substantially dampened acquisition intentions. The data suggests prospective buyers are proceeding with transactions rather than delaying decisions amid fluctuating market conditions.

    Driving this sustained demand is a demographic shift seeing increased participation from young professionals aged 25-35. This trend emerges from converging factors including escalating rental costs, mortgage payments that increasingly parallel leasing expenses, and more defined long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa program. Financial practicality now positions property ownership as a viable alternative to renting for many younger buyers seeking both financial security and flexibility.

    Industry experts simultaneously caution purchasers regarding substantial upfront capital requirements, typically representing 25-30% of property value for down payments and transaction fees not covered by mortgage financing. While improved affordability stems from easing interest rates and extended loan tenures, the initial financial outlay remains a significant consideration.

    Developers are responding with innovative payment solutions including reduced booking amounts, post-handover payment plans, and rent-to-own options designed to facilitate the renter-to-owner transition. Concurrently, financial institutions are enhancing market accessibility through digital tools like Mashreq’s recently launched fully digital home-loan pre-approval service. This platform provides salaried residents earning minimum Dh15,000 monthly with same-day preliminary approval based on income assessment, existing liabilities, and credit history, offering clearer budgetary parameters before purchase commitment.

  • Netflix updates Warner Bros bid to all-cash offer

    Netflix updates Warner Bros bid to all-cash offer

    In a significant escalation of the high-stakes battle for Warner Bros Discovery’s entertainment assets, Netflix has revised its acquisition proposal to an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $72 billion. This strategic move eliminates the previously proposed stock component, intensifying the streaming giant’s competition against Paramount Skydance for control of the prestigious Hollywood studio.

    The revised terms maintain the original $27.75 per share valuation for Warner Bros’ streaming and film divisions, which encompass the massively valuable HBO Max platform and legendary content libraries including the Harry Potter franchise and Game of Thrones universe. The total enterprise value, incorporating debt assumptions, reaches approximately $82 billion.

    Concurrently, Warner Bros shareholders would receive equity in the company’s remaining assets—including news network CNN—which are scheduled to become an independent publicly traded entity through a spinoff process.

    The amended agreement emerged as Paramount Skydance, backed by technology billionaire Larry Ellison and his family, continues its aggressive pursuit with a competing $108 billion overall valuation ($30 per share) offer. Paramount has maintained that Warner Bros’ non-entertainment assets are significantly overvalued, recently initiating legal action to force disclosure of financial details regarding Netflix’s proposal.

    Warner Bros leadership has consistently expressed preference for Netflix’s offer, citing greater certainty regarding financing and transaction execution. Samuel Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros Discovery Board of Directors, stated: “Our amended agreement with Netflix demonstrates the board’s unwavering commitment to advancing stockholder interests. Transitioning to an all-cash offer delivers the tremendous value of our combination with Netflix with enhanced certainty.”

    Netflix executives positioned the acquisition as industry-positive, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos emphasizing: “This combination will provide broader choice and greater value to global audiences while expanding U.S. production capacity and driving substantial investment in original programming. This transaction represents growth and job creation for our industry’s future.”

    Despite criticism from some industry observers concerned about excessive market consolidation, the proposed merger continues advancing toward shareholder consideration, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

  • Ivory Coast will buy unsold cocoa stocks as prices plunge

    Ivory Coast will buy unsold cocoa stocks as prices plunge

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – The Ivorian government has announced emergency market intervention measures to address a severe crisis in its cocoa sector, the world’s largest. With approximately 700,000 tons of cocoa beans remaining unsold due to plummeting global prices, authorities will purchase existing stocks at guaranteed seasonal rates to maintain export operations and ensure farmer compensation.

    The crisis emerged in recent months as global cocoa prices sharply declined from record highs. According to Synapci, the nation’s primary cocoa farmers’ union, many agricultural producers have endured nearly two months without income, forcing some to sell at discounted rates or destroy spoiled inventory.

    Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani sought to reassure stakeholders during a Tuesday press briefing. “We want to reassure them. The situation is now under control, and collection operations will begin in the coming days,” he stated, confirming the government’s commitment to market stabilization.

    Ivory Coast’s unique market structure differentiates it from most African nations. Through the Coffee and Cocoa Council, approximately 85% of the annual harvest (representing 2-2.5 million metric tons) is pre-sold at fixed prices to shield farmers from volatility. The current crisis involves the remaining 15% portion, which multinational buyers have refused to purchase following price declines.

    The government had set a record price of $5,000 per metric ton in October 2025 ahead of presidential elections, but global prices have since fallen to approximately $4,630. With the mid-crop season price announcement scheduled for April 1 expected to reflect further decreases, market uncertainty persists.

    Farmer representatives remain skeptical despite government assurances. Synapci President Moussa Koné questioned the implementation: “They are making nice promises, but what guarantees are they offering? And what about those who have already had to throw away cocoa that rotted because of the blockade?”

  • Dubai: Gold prices hit new record high on second consecutive day; 21K crosses Dh500

    Dubai: Gold prices hit new record high on second consecutive day; 21K crosses Dh500

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed unprecedented milestones on Tuesday as prices surged to record-breaking heights for the second consecutive trading session. The precious metal’s remarkable rally saw 21K gold surpass Dh500 per gram for the first time in history, joining 24K and 22K variants that had previously breached this psychological barrier.

    Market data revealed 24K gold trading at an all-time high of Dh566 per gram, representing an increase of Dh3.75, while 22K reached Dh524.0 per gram with a gain of Dh3.25. The broader spectrum showed 18K and 14K gold trading at Dh430.75 and Dh336 per gram respectively, completing a comprehensive market upswing.

    According to Ahmad Assiri, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, this historic rally stems from escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed trade threats. Recent statements by the US President regarding potential tariffs of 10-25% on European goods have reignited global trade concerns within a broader geopolitical context that transcends traditional trade balance issues.

    European responses, particularly from France, have included discussions about activating the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument and preparing retaliatory tariffs worth approximately €93 billion on US goods. This escalating tension has positioned precious metals as primary beneficiaries of market uncertainty, with gold specifically maintaining its upward trajectory around the $4,700 per ounce threshold.

    Assiri identified three key drivers supporting gold’s rally: increased hedging demand, declining risk appetite in equity markets, and favorable macroeconomic factors including monetary policy expectations and a weakening US dollar. Globally, spot gold reached $4,714.34 per ounce at 10 AM UAE time, registering a 0.77% increase.

    The analyst projected that $5,000 per ounce represents a logical medium-term target rather than optimistic speculation, noting this price point remains approximately 7% above current levels. He emphasized that precious metals will likely maintain their defensive appeal until clearer negotiation pathways emerge, with gold positioned as the most prominent near-term beneficiary of ongoing political and economic uncertainty.

  • Skyscrapers set to redefine city skylines across the GCC

    Skyscrapers set to redefine city skylines across the GCC

    The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is undergoing a transformative architectural renaissance, with skyscrapers evolving from symbolic landmarks into strategic infrastructure driving economic diversification. This vertical expansion represents a fundamental reimagining of urban development rather than mere height competition.

    Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for an unprecedented architectural marvel—a two-kilometer tower in Riyadh that would double the height of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. With an estimated $5 billion budget and a site selected near King Khalid International Airport, this project signals Riyadh’s ambition to become a global business hub. International architectural firms including Skidmore Owings and Merrill are already contributing conceptual designs for what would become the tallest structure in human history.

    Meanwhile, Dubai continues to reinforce its skyscraper expertise with Burj Azizi, a 725-meter vertical district featuring 130 floors of luxury residences, seven-star hotel suites, retail centers, and cultural spaces. The project’s commercial success was immediate, with a penthouse selling for Dh63 million on launch day, demonstrating sustained market demand for integrated vertical living environments.

    The United Arab Emirates has achieved global recognition, overtaking the United States as the second-ranking country for supertall buildings (exceeding 300 meters) according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. With over 30 such structures—most built within the past decade—the UAE has established itself as a leader in futuristic design and engineering excellence.

    Beyond height records, GCC architects are developing culturally resonant designs. Dubai’s Muraba Veil tower, standing at 380 meters with a width of just 22.5 meters, represents this new direction. Designed by Pritz Prize-winning RCR Arquitectes, the tower incorporates regional architectural traditions through its stainless steel veil and internal courtyard design.

    This vertical transformation is driven by multiple structural factors: economic diversification requirements, population growth outpacing horizontal expansion capabilities, transit-oriented planning, and sustainability frameworks favoring compact cities. By 2030, the skylines of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha will reflect this strategic shift toward intentional, culturally grounded, and economically functional high-rise development that supports tourism, finance, and global business operations.

  • Hong Kong tourist arrivals up 12% in 2025

    Hong Kong tourist arrivals up 12% in 2025

    Hong Kong’s tourism sector demonstrated robust recovery in 2025 with visitor arrivals reaching 49.9 million, marking a substantial 12% year-on-year increase according to official data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board on January 20, 2026.

    The comprehensive statistics reveal particularly strong performance in December 2025, which saw 4.65 million tourist entries representing a 9% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. The data indicates a balanced recovery across source markets, with mainland Chinese visitors increasing by 11% to 37.8 million, while international arrivals from other global markets surged by 15% to 12.1 million.

    Notably, Japan and Australia emerged as the fastest-growing source markets, contributing significantly to the territory’s tourism rebound. The duration of stay metrics showed encouraging trends, with overnight visitors averaging 3.1 nights per stay. Tourist satisfaction levels reached impressive heights, scoring 8.9 out of 10 for overnight experiences.

    Looking ahead to 2026, Hong Kong tourism authorities are preparing for the Chinese New Year celebrations commencing February 17, featuring traditional attractions including fireworks displays, the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, and special horse racing events designed to attract global visitors.

  • ‘Rising tensions’: Australia’s sharemarket falls from eleven week high after ‘trade bazooka’ fears

    ‘Rising tensions’: Australia’s sharemarket falls from eleven week high after ‘trade bazooka’ fears

    The Australian equity market experienced a pronounced downturn during Tuesday’s trading session, primarily driven by escalating geopolitical friction between the United States and European nations. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index declined by 58.60 points, representing a 0.66 percent decrease to close at 8,815.90, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 56.30 points (0.61 percent) to settle at 9,138.60.

    Market analysts attributed the bearish sentiment to renewed transatlantic trade tensions following former President Trump’s tariff threats against several European countries. The confrontation centers on the United States’ strategic interest in acquiring Greenland, with the administration threatening 10 percent tariffs against Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain. European authorities have responded with countermeasures potentially affecting €100 billion ($174 billion) in U.S. goods.

    Financial and materials sectors led the decline, with all four major banking institutions recording losses. Commonwealth Bank shares decreased by 1.81 percent to $150.48, Westpac dropped 0.98 percent to $38.59, NAB fell 0.85 percent to $41.86, and ANZ finished 1.15 percent lower at $36.94.

    The resources sector faced significant pressure despite BHP reporting substantial commodity price improvements, including a 32 percent annual increase in copper prices and a 4 percent rise in iron ore. BHP shares declined 1.99 percent to $47.78 following revelations that the first phase of its Jansen potash project would exceed initial estimates by over $1 billion, reaching $US8.4 billion. Rio Tinto decreased 2.04 percent to $146.34, while Fortescue slid 0.58 percent to $22.26.

    Market performance showed sector divergence, with seven of eleven industry sectors finishing lower. Utilities and technology stocks provided some offsetting gains, led by Origin Energy’s 2.62 percent surge to $11.34 after announcing an extension of operations at Australia’s largest coal-fired power plant until 2029.

    Individual company performances varied considerably. ARB Corporation shares plummeted 12.04 percent to $28.42 following unaudited sales revenue of $358 million for the first half-year, approximately 1 percent below previous corresponding periods. Conversely, Bellevue Gold rallied 5.01 percent to $1.78 after reporting strong sales metrics, and Hub24 shares advanced 3.1 percent to $101.21 following record net inflows of $5.6 billion.

    The Australian dollar demonstrated resilience amid market volatility, strengthening against the U.S. dollar to trade at 67.29 US cents.

  • Matcha, Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño among Coles’ bizarre hot cross bun flavour line-up coming to stores before Easter

    Matcha, Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño among Coles’ bizarre hot cross bun flavour line-up coming to stores before Easter

    Australian supermarket giant Coles has announced an unprecedented lineup of experimental hot cross bun flavors for the 2026 Easter season, featuring unconventional creations that challenge traditional holiday baking conventions. The limited-edition collection includes a Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño variety, a matcha and raspberry fusion, an Arnott’s mint slice interpretation, and a sticky date innovation.

    The most avant-garde offering, the cheesy jalapeño hot cross bun, incorporates authentic cheese, specially crafted Doritos-style seasoning, jalapeño pieces, and tomato granules to create a savory nacho-inspired experience. Meanwhile, the matcha and raspberry variant combines earthy green tea powder with white chocolate chunks and raspberry-flavored fudge pieces for an East-meets-West flavor profile.

    The Arnott’s mint slice recreation features rich chocolate dough embedded with chocolate chunks and peppermint-flavored fudge pieces, meticulously designed to capture the essence of the iconic Australian biscuit. The sticky date version offers a contemporary twist on the classic dessert, featuring chewy date pieces and caramel-flavored chips throughout the spiced dough.

    These gourmet innovations will be available from February through the Easter period across all Coles physical stores and online platforms, priced at $5.50 for four-bun packages. According to Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager for Commercial, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen, the development team invested over twelve months perfecting these creations, describing them as a blend of traditional favorites with ‘daring new innovations.’

    For consumers preferring conventional options, Coles will continue offering classic fruit, apple and cinnamon, fruit-free, and chocolate varieties. The supermarket chain emphasizes that this expanded range demonstrates their commitment to catering to diverse Australian tastes during the Easter celebration period.

  • Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump’s push on Greenland

    Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump’s push on Greenland

    Financial markets across Asia experienced broad declines on Tuesday as investor sentiment deteriorated following geopolitical tensions and domestic political developments. The downward trend emerged during a quiet session for U.S. markets, which remained closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

    The Japanese market faced particular pressure as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s announcement of a snap February 8th election triggered significant volatility in government bonds. Yields on Japan’s 40-year government bonds surged to a record 4%, while other long-term debt instruments reached multi-decade highs. This selloff reflected market concerns that Takaichi might leverage her strong approval ratings to implement increased government spending measures, potentially straining Japan’s national finances.

    Meanwhile, transatlantic trade relations faced renewed strain after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland. The proposed tariffs, reportedly linked to European opposition regarding American control of Greenland, drew immediate criticism from affected countries who condemned the move as damaging to transatlantic relations.

    Regional market performance varied with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 declining 1.1% to 52,988.24, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.3% to 4,101.62. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged down marginally to 26,552.57. South Korea’s Kospi bucked the trend with a 0.3% gain to 4,921.42, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.6% to 8,818.10.

    European markets had set a negative tone on Monday, with Germany’s DAX losing 1.3% and France’s CAC 40 falling 1.9%. U.S. stock futures indicated continued weakness, with S&P 500 futures down 1% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declining 0.9% in early Tuesday trading.

    Investors awaited key economic developments including upcoming corporate earnings reports and critical inflation data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. The Fed’s next meeting in two weeks is expected to maintain current interest rates as policymakers balance slowing employment indicators against persistent inflation above their 2% target.

  • Aussie jeweller Secrets Shhh rescued from administration after purchase by UAE group Amaar Jewells, 100 jobs saved

    Aussie jeweller Secrets Shhh rescued from administration after purchase by UAE group Amaar Jewells, 100 jobs saved

    In a significant turnaround for Australia’s retail jewelry sector, collapsed retailer Secrets Shhh has been acquired by high-end UAE jewelry group Amaar Jewels LLC. The acquisition comes just months after the Australian company and its seven subsidiaries entered administration in December, preserving employment for more than 100 staff members and securing the future of the brand.

    FTI Consulting senior managing director Kelly Trenfield confirmed the completion of binding documentation for the sale, noting that the majority of retail stores will transfer to the new ownership. “This transaction represents a significant milestone in securing the ongoing operation of the Secrets Shhh brand and provides a strong foundation for its continued presence and growth across the Australian retail market,” Trenfield stated.

    Secrets Shhh had built its reputation on providing affordable, sustainable alternatives to traditional mined diamonds, specializing in laboratory-grown and simulated diamond jewelry. The company’s collapse in December had raised concerns about the viability of ethical jewelry retail in the Australian market.

    The UAE-based purchaser, Amaar Jewels, has outlined ambitious plans for the Australian brand. The new ownership intends to build upon Secrets Shhh’s existing foundations by expanding product ranges through new collections and designs. Additionally, Amaar Jewels plans to enhance the retail experience and eventually expand the brand into international markets, leveraging global experience and supply-chain capabilities.

    FTI Consulting acknowledged the cooperation of employees, landlords, suppliers, and other stakeholders throughout the administration and sale process. The successful acquisition demonstrates continued international interest in Australian retail assets, particularly those with established brand recognition and ethical sourcing credentials.