Yesterday
Overseas investors pile into ‘safe haven’ GemLife’s $750m IPO
The land lease operator’s initial share sale taps the need for affordable housing for downsizers and the demand of investors to buy into Australian housing.
Market debates whether Abu Dhabi will help or hinder Santos’ ambitions
While some brokers said a well-funded backer would accelerate projects in Narrabri and Beetaloo, others are concerned they will suffer as focus drifts elsewhere.
This Month
Santos’ $36b mega-deal creates a mega-test for Jim Chalmers
The company has landed the largest ever cash deal in the global energy sector. The only problem is getting the bid past the FIRB and the treasurer.
Pro-invest, Kajima plan $1.5b build-to-rent portfolio
Japanese investment in the Australian housing story is deepening, with the latest partnership aiming to supply a much-needed mid-market rental product.
Don’t fret about AUKUS. Australia can keep attracting US capital
Investors should not read too much into the AUKUS review. New US administrations routinely revisit major policies and deals as a regular exercise in due diligence.
Shipbuilder Austal’s Korean suitor clears key hurdle for bid
Hanwha has received approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to go to 19.99 per cent or even 100 per cent of Austal.
Salesforce tower deal struck as Japanese rush for real estate
Corporate Japanese investment in property, which retreated after the 1980s, is back – but it has a new form as investors take a long-term view.
RBA tipped to cut rates to prop up ‘disappointing’ economy
GDP rose just 0.2 per cent in March as businesses cut back on investment, consumers watched their spending and limits on foreign students hit exports.
Whose idea is Trump’s big, absurd ‘revenge’ tax?
Section 899 gives the White House new power to levy up to 20 per cent on foreigners with American investments, which could mean punishing US bondholders.
May
‘Needs a lot of work’: Industry says FIRB still has big problems
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has launched a new portal for applications to the Foreign Investment Review Board, but industry players say it needs a lot more work.
South African swoop for $1.6b copper mine a test for new FIRB system
Harmony Gold’s bid for the CSA Mine near Cobar will need foreign ownership approval from the federal government.
How Heineken bucked the trend and surged in China
The country’s biggest brewer is using its Dutch partner to reach more of the growing premium segment.
The property tax surcharge creating an opportunity for local investors
Two states, Victoria and Queensland, levy an extra tax on offshore buyers that is pushing them out of a key asset class, to the benefit of locals.
Australia’s student dorms sector set for boom
The nation’s purpose-built student housing sector is on track to boom, with record high international student enrolments and global capital pouring in.
April
Coalition to revive technical colleges, won’t commit to housing target
Peter Dutton claimed a $260 million pledge to establish new Australian technical colleges was another pillar of his housing affordability and accessibility policies.
London’s most desirable neighbourhoods have lost 11,000 workers
Flexible working, cost-of-living pressures and the lure of jobs in places such as Dubai are drawing workers away from areas where houses sell for millions.
Real estate now takes 1 in 5 Japanese deals – and it’s growing
At a time of global uncertainty, Australian real estate is finding its perfect match in Japanese investors seeking stable revenue and capital growth.
Chinese $800m-plus solar deal collapses after FIRB delays
Lightsource bp is now seeking an alternative buyer for five Australian solar farms after ending a deal to sell to Beijing Energy International.
March
Trafigura puts Australian metal processing operations under review
In an interview, the trading house’s chief executive, Richard Holtum, said “uncompetitive” assets should be at least part owned by the government.
Minerals Council says tariffs will bring economic storm
Minerals Council chairman Andrew Michelmore says Australia must adapt to an era where trade is a “strategic weapon”.