In a stark contrast to the robust performance of real estate investment trusts (REITs) in other major markets, Hong Kong’s REIT benchmark index has plummeted by more than a quarter this year. This alarming decline is attributed to a multitude of factors, chiefly the exodus of investors from China-linked assets. S&P’s REIT index for Hong […]

Brussels, September 6, 2023 – In a groundbreaking financial development, Belgium has successfully raised a historic €21.9 billion ($23.65 billion) from savers in a bond sale, aiming to challenge traditional bank deposits. This move reflects the growing popularity of government debt as discontent surges among consumers facing dwindling interest rates from traditional lenders. The bond […]

In a groundbreaking move, the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has unveiled ambitious plans for a revolutionary digital markets business. This strategic initiative aims to position LSEG as the world’s first major exchange to offer extensive trading of traditional financial assets on blockchain technology, renowned for its association with cryptocurrencies. Murray Roos, the Head of […]

In a groundbreaking move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has implemented new measures aimed at expediting the entry of individuals into the stock market. The KYC (Know Your Customer) procedure, a critical step in confirming one’s identity and address, has been significantly simplified to empower prospective investors. Effective September 1, SEBI has […]

In a remarkable turn of events, Grayscale Investments LLC has emerged victorious in its high-stakes legal confrontation with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The battle revolved around Grayscale’s ambition to transition its over-the-counter Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a publicly listed Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The SEC had earlier declined Grayscale’s GBTC […]

In a bid to manage mounting financial pressures, Country Garden, one of China’s largest private property developers, has formally requested a 40-day extension on the repayment of a renminbi bond that is set to mature in the upcoming week. This development underscores the growing distress within the Chinese real estate sector. The request, which arrives […]

In a marked departure from the previous year’s figures, alternative investment fundraising has experienced a significant slowdown, down by 27% year-to-date (YTD), according to data compiled by Preqin. A total of $740 billion has been raised since the beginning of the year, a stark contrast to the $1.02 trillion raised during the same period the […]

Vanguard, a leading mutual fund manager, revealed that it has provided support for only 2% of shareholder resolutions focused on environmental and social concerns at U.S. companies in the current year. This represents a significant decline from the 12% support it extended in the previous year. The decrease in backing has contributed to an overall […]

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing investor confidence in its second-largest equity market, China has taken the decision to lower the stamp duty on stock trades for the first time since 2008. The announcement, made by the government in an official statement on Sunday, reveals that the reduction will take effect from August 28. […]

In a significant development, global financial services provider Mastercard (MA.N) and renowned cryptocurrency exchange Binance have announced the discontinuation of their joint crypto card initiatives across various countries. Effective September 22, the four crypto card programs operating in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Bahrain will be terminated, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Mastercard in a […]