DAILY NEWS

Daily News – 22nd March 2016

Singapore Real Estate

More banks may cut back on office space amid weakening outlook
Banks look set to continue shedding excess office space in Singapore amid a cautious business outlook. Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), RHB Securities and Bank ofAmerica Merrill Lynch (BOAML) are among those contemplating ways to save costs by trimming space.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/banking-finance/more-banks-may-cut-back-on-office-space-amidweakening-outlook

Companies’ Brief

Ascendas India Trust
While a-iTrust has rallied over 20 per cent since we upgraded the stock to “buy” in late January, we believe it remains an under-appreciated growth story. With Singapore-focused Reit facing headwinds translating into slowing DPU growth (average DPU CAGR of 3 per cent), a-iTrust stands out with three-year DPU CAGR of 11 per cent and a still attractive 6.6 per cent yield.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/brokers-take-245

Keppel Corporation
Keppel Corporation is acquiring a 20 per cent stake in Vietnam real estate development firm Quoc Loc Phat Joint Stock Company (QLP) for about 329.9 billion dong (or S$20.3 million). It has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with QLP shareholder Pham Quang Hung to acquire 30 million shares, it said in a stock exchange filing yesterday.
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/company-briefs-yongnam-holdings

Yongnam Holdings
Steel contractor and civil engineering solutions provider Yongnam Holdings has secured two contracts worth a total of $49.5 million, it said yesterday. One of the projects is a structural steelwork sub-contract for a proposed 19-storey mixed-use development, which will house the future Outram Community Hospital here.
http://www.straitstimes.com/business/company-briefs-yongnam-holdings

Views, Reviews & Forum

Masterplanning A Mindset Shift
The newly launched Design 2025 masterplan envisions a Singapore in which design is part of the national skill set and advances Singapore’s economic and social interests. But what will it take to get us there?
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/masterplanning-a-mindset-shift

Global Economy & Global Real Estate

Global house prices in 2015 build on 2014 gain
KNIGHT Frank’s Global House Price Index rose 3 per cent in 2015 – a stronger gain compared with a 2.3 per cent increase in 2014. This year, however, the outlook is muted. Kate Everett-Allen, partner, international residential research at the property consulting group, said: “We expect the index’s overall rate of growth to be weaker in 2016 than in 2015.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/global-house-prices-in-2015-build-on-2014-gain

Existing home sales in February down more than forecast
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/existing-home-sales-in-february-down-more-than-forecast

Hong Kong’s Housing Market Looks Like It’s Avoided a Bust
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/hong-kong-property-crash-averted-if-the-stock-market-is-right

Previously Owned U.S. Home Sales Decline More Than Forecast
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/previously-owned-u-s-home-sales-decline-more-than-forecast

One More Big Reason You Can’t Buy a Home
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/one-more-big-reason-you-can-t-buy-a-home

New World Development Wins Go-Ahead to Take Chinese Unit Private
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/new-world-development-wins-go-ahead-to-take-chinese-unit-private

Starwood Battle to Have Little Impact on Price of Rooms
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/marriott-wins-over-starwood-with-revised-buyout-bid

Starwood accepts sweetened bid from Marriott
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/starwood-accepts-sweetened-bid-from-marriott

Marriott Wins Starwood Hotels Support With Improved Takeover Offer
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/starwood-hotels-accepts-improved-takeover-offer-from-marriott

Iron Ore Climbs as Signs of China Property Revival Boost Outlook
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/iron-ore-surges-as-signs-of-china-property-revival-boost-outlook

Canadian REITs Tap Banks, Sending Bond Issuance to Four-Year Low
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/canadian-reits-tap-banks-sending-bond-issuance-to-four-year-low

Cheung Kong Property Rises to Two-Month High After Share Buyback
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-21/cheung-kong-property-rises-to-two-month-high-after-share-buyback

Shanghai planning to curb property price hikes: sources
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/shanghai-planning-to-curb-property-price-hikes-sources