Washington is preparing another escalation of economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promising measures without precedent even as the options left to exploit carry growing risks for energy markets, China relations and the US economy. Bessent has said new steps will be announced next week and described the strategy as combining extreme financial isolation with the continuing blockade of Iranian ports. The administration has […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE has pledged to defend its sovereignty and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after another Adnoc vessel was attacked while crossing the strategic waterway, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s determination to keep its energy trade moving despite escalating maritime threats. Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said repeated attacks on Adnoc tankers would not force the country to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has opened official live market data to conversational artificial intelligence platforms, allowing investors and institutions to interrogate exchange information through tools including ChatGPT and Claude using ordinary language. The initiative makes ADX the first exchange in the Middle East and North Africa to provide such access through a governed Model Context Protocol, or MCP, server. The system connects compatible […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sukuk have become more liquid than conventional bonds across key Gulf markets, with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain recording stronger trading conditions for Islamic debt as regional fixed-income markets recover from disruption caused by the US-Iran conflict. Liquidity scores for sukuk rose to 68 compared with 57 for bonds when US dollar outstanding securities were excluded, widening the gap between the two asset […]
Standard Chartered has initiated coverage of Chainlink’s LINK token with a price forecast of $200 by the end of 2030, betting that rapid expansion in tokenised assets and decentralised finance will sharply increase demand for the blockchain network’s infrastructure. The projection implies an increase of roughly 25 times from the price near $8 used when the forecast was prepared. The bank has set an interim target of […]
Zerohash is preparing to submit a narrower application for a US national trust bank charter after regulators returned its first filing without reaching a decision, creating a regulatory setback for the digital-asset infrastructure provider that powers cryptocurrency trading for Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade platform. The Chicago-based company expects to refile with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency by the end of August, restructuring its proposal around […]
The Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure on Iran as Washington struggles to translate months of military operations into political concessions from Tehran. The strategy combines tighter sanctions, restrictions on oil exports and a renewed naval blockade while preserving the threat of further strikes. President Donald Trump’s government appears increasingly focused on weakening Iran’s ability to finance the state, military forces and regional operations rather than relying […]
Metaplanet has rejected speculation that it sold hundreds of millions of dollars worth of bitcoin, saying a large movement of cryptocurrency detected on-chain was an internal custody transfer and that its holdings remain unchanged at 43,000 BTC. Chief Executive Simon Gerovich said the Tokyo-listed company transferred 5,014 bitcoin between Metaplanet-controlled custodial addresses over a 24-hour period. The cryptocurrency was worth roughly $320 million at prevailing market prices. […]
XRP trading on Binance has entered a markedly calmer phase, with its 30-day realised volatility falling to about 0.34, the lowest level in roughly three months, as traders assess whether reduced price swings could set the stage for a larger market move. The decline represents a sharp reversal from June, when the same volatility measure climbed to about 0.53 amid heavier trading activity and wider price fluctuations. […]
China’s yuan is facing stronger appreciation pressure after coordinated US-Japan action lifted the yen and rippled through Asian currency markets, complicating Beijing’s efforts to support an economy where export strength contrasts with weak domestic demand.
The yuan has gained about 3.6 per cent against the dollar this year, making it one of Asia’s strongest-performing currencies. The advance has persisted despite falling Chinese government bond yields and a widening yield disadvantage against US Treasuries, conditions that would normally encourage capital to favour the dollar. Strong export receipts and increased conversion of dollar earnings by exporters have instead provided sustained support for the currency.
Pressure intensified after the US and Japan intervened to strengthen the yen at the end of July. The operation marked the first coordinated action by Washington and Tokyo to support the Japanese currency since 1998, following a slide that took the yen to four-decade lows. US authorities had also alerted major banks to be prepared for possible intervention through the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, highlighting Washington’s concern about excessive currency volatility.
The yen subsequently surrendered roughly half of its initial gains, but the intervention had broader consequences across Asian foreign-exchange markets. South Korea’s won, the Singapore dollar and the Taiwan dollar have shown relatively high correlations with yen movements, while several other regional currencies have been less sensitive. The spillover has reinforced a wider trend towards appreciation in currencies exposed to North Asian trade and investment flows.
For Beijing, the stronger yuan presents a complicated policy trade-off. Appreciation reduces the local-currency cost of imported commodities and can provide some insulation against inflation generated by energy prices. It can also create more room for monetary easing because policymakers need to worry less about triggering capital outflows or destabilising depreciation.
The cost is greater pressure on exporters at a time when foreign demand has become an increasingly important support for economic activity. China’s export machine has remained resilient while household consumption, property investment and parts of the private economy have struggled to regain momentum. A rising yuan makes Chinese products more expensive abroad and reduces the value of exporters’ overseas earnings when converted back into local currency.
The People’s Bank of China has appeared increasingly willing to moderate the currency’s advance. Daily yuan reference rates have been set weaker than market expectations at times, signalling a preference for slowing appreciation rather than allowing the currency to rise unchecked. China operates a managed exchange-rate system in which the central bank establishes a daily midpoint and permits the onshore yuan to trade within a defined band around that fixing.
The yuan traded around 6.75 per dollar on Wednesday after strengthening through the 6.80 level earlier this year. Exporters have continued selling dollars when the US currency rises, while central-bank guidance has kept the appreciation gradual. Market forecasts generally point towards further controlled yuan strength rather than a rapid revaluation.
The currency’s resilience highlights an unusual divergence inside China’s economy. Long-term sovereign yields have declined as investors price weak domestic demand and subdued inflation, while the yuan has strengthened because of trade surpluses and exporter dollar conversions. China’s current-account surplus has expanded significantly as manufacturing exports have outpaced imports and domestic spending.
That divergence could influence the timing of the next monetary-policy move. One scenario would see the central bank reducing its benchmark policy rate by 10 basis points to 1.3 per cent before the end of the year, using currency strength as protection against depreciation pressure. Expectations remain divided, however, with many economists anticipating unchanged rates through 2026 as policymakers assess inflation, financial stability and the effectiveness of previous easing measures.
July inflation data strengthened the case for additional support. Consumer-price growth slowed to its weakest pace in six months, while producer-price pressures eased, renewing concerns that deflationary forces could return if domestic demand remains subdued. Higher energy costs had previously reduced expectations for further easing.
Currency policy is also becoming more closely tied to trade tensions. China’s expanding manufacturing surplus has generated demands among trading partners for a stronger yuan, particularly as exports of vehicles, machinery, electronics and clean-energy equipment increase. A materially stronger exchange rate would weaken some of that competitive advantage but could also reduce political pressure surrounding trade imbalances.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained as faltering diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran deepen uncertainty over one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Only eight vessels were tracked transiting the strait on Tuesday, compared with a 10-day average of about 12. Seven entered through Iranian waters and only one, a coal carrier, exited. The figures followed […]
Ravencoin is confronting the prospect of a deep blockchain reorganisation that could reverse several days of transactions after a critical software vulnerability allowed invalid blocks to enter its ledger. Two of the network’s largest mining pools, 2Miners and RavenMiner, are building an alternative chain from block 4,487,775, the last block before the first known invalid block appeared on August 7. Together, the pools control a majority of […]
MoneyGram has expanded its crypto-to-cash infrastructure to Solana, allowing wallets, exchanges and decentralised applications on the blockchain to connect directly with the payments company’s worldwide network for converting digital assets into local currency. The launch brings MoneyGram Ramps to the Solana ecosystem through a single application programming interface. Developers can now offer cash deposits in more than 25 countries and cash withdrawals across more than 170 countries […]
Coinbase has chosen Abu Dhabi as its international base for tokenised securities after securing regulatory approval to arrange investment transactions and provide custody services within Abu Dhabi Global Market, accelerating its expansion beyond cryptocurrency trading into blockchain-based capital markets. The Financial Services Permission granted by ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority gives the US-listed crypto exchange the regulatory foundation to develop tokenised investment products from the emirate. Coinbase […]
Pokémon trading cards are evolving from childhood collectibles into a multibillion-dollar alternative asset market, prompting blockchain companies to build digital trading systems around physical cards stored securely in vaults. The technology can speed up transactions, but attracting enough buyers and sellers remains the larger challenge. Estimates put the wider trading-card market at roughly $10 billion to $15 billion, while the value of graded cards alone has been […]
New DHL daily flight service on Boeing 767 freighter strengthens connections between China, Indochina, the Middle East and Europe
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2026 – DHL Express has added a new direct flight between Shanghai and Bangkok, increasing capacity on a trade lane linking China and the rapidly growing economies of Indochina. The new flight route, Shanghai-Bangkok-Bahrain*-Brussels-Shanghai, significantly enhances connectivity among manufacturing, sourcing, and consumption markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
DHL Express boosts Indochina connectivity with new Shanghai-Bangkok flight
Operated by a DHL Boeing 767 freighter with a maximum payload of 50 tons, the new daily service demonstrates DHL Express’s ongoing investments in network capacity and infrastructure to strengthen connectivity for customers in high-growth markets. Equally, it also reflects DHL’s constant review of evolving trade patterns and swift action to adapt to those changes.
“This route is a direct response to how trade flows in Asia are shifting,” said Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “We’re seeing increasing movement of goods between China and Southeast Asia, alongside continued demand from customers in Europe and the Middle East for products manufactured across the region. This new route boosts our network where customers need it most, providing additional capacity and more direct connections between key production and consumption markets.”
Bangkok serves as a strategic gateway to the Indochina region, while Bahrain and Brussels are key DHL Express hubs. The introduction of the Shanghai-Bangkok route enables DHL Express to efficiently consolidate shipments originating from China and Southeast Asia before connecting them to destinations across Europe and the Middle East.
The direct flight comes at a time when manufacturers and traders in markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are sourcing more from China. For many customers, those shipments are part of production chains that stretch across multiple countries. As trade links between China and Southeast Asia deepen, DHL Express is improving speed, flexibility and network resilience for customers moving materials, components and finished products across Asia and onward to global markets. Last month, DHL Express also expanded its Shenzhen gateway, located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. The facility can handle 900 tons of cargo daily – approximately three times the original throughput – as it supports booming cross-border trade and e-commerce shipments in China.
At the same time, businesses in Europe and the Middle East continue to trade heavily with their peers in China and Southeast Asia for a wide range of products, from electronics and industrial components to consumer goods. As international business activity remains highly dispersed across global markets rather than concentrating within regions, the new route opens more trading opportunities for businesses while strengthening access for both regions.
As both intra-Asia and global trade flows continue to show resilience, DHL remains focused on investing in its dedicated air network. Another recent example includes the introduction of a new transpacific service by DHL Global Forwarding that connects Southeast Asia and the United States. These expansions seek to better connect businesses to global markets as well as build more agile supply chains.
*Note to editor: Due to the current conflict in Middle East, flights are tentatively diverted to other locations in the Middle East. Hashtag: #DHLExpress #Globaltrade #Indochina
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
The United States has imposed sanctions on cryptocurrency platform Shelbit, its founder Siavash Kayvanpour and affiliated companies after investigators linked the network to billions of dollars in digital-asset flows involving Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other sanctioned entities. The action by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control places Shelbit and associated entities on Washington’s sanctions list, effectively freezing assets under US jurisdiction and exposing […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Flowdesk has secured a full broker-dealer licence from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, allowing its local entity to provide regulated digital-asset services to qualified and institutional investors from the emirate. The authorisation for Flowdesk Omega FZE completes a regulatory process that moved from in-principle approval in June to full licensing in August. It gives the digital-asset trading and technology company an operating base […]
MARA Holdings sold about 23,093 bitcoin for $1.6 billion during the first half of 2026, marking a major reversal from the cryptocurrency miner’s earlier strategy of accumulating and retaining virtually all the bitcoin it produced. The figure, disclosed in the company’s quarterly regulatory filing, represents cumulative sales during the six months ended June 30 rather than a single transaction carried out on Monday. Social-media posts describing the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation while calling for intensified diplomatic efforts to ease tensions across the Middle East. The two leaders held a telephone conversation on Friday, reviewing cooperation under the UAE-Russia strategic partnership and reaffirming their commitment to expanding ties in areas of mutual interest. Their discussions […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has warned that sustained attacks on its vessels, employees and assets are significantly disrupting operations as insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz deepens pressure on Gulf energy supplies and commercial shipping. ADNOC said on Friday that 15 of its vessels had been targeted by missiles and drones while passing through the strategic waterway since the regional conflict erupted. […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 August 2026 – Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the “Manager“) announces the interim results of Sunlight REIT for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the “Reporting Period“).
For the Reporting Period, Sunlight REIT recorded revenue of HK$382.4 million, a year-on-year decline of 2.2%. After deducting property operating expenses of HK$82.7 million, net property income came in at HK$299.7 million. Aided by a 7.9% saving in cash interest expense to HK$84.3 million, distributable income for the Reporting Period was HK$164.0 million, a 2.7% drop from the corresponding period in the previous year.
The Board has resolved to declare an interim distribution per unit of HK 8.8 cents, representing a payout ratio of 94.3% and an annualized distribution yield of 8.1% based on the closing unit price of HK$2.16 on the last trading day of the Reporting Period.
The appraised value of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio was HK$17,118.1 million at 30 June 2026. Gross assets and net assets of Sunlight REIT were HK$17,728.3 million and HK$12,168.2 million respectively, and the net asset value per unit was HK$6.92.
Operating Highlights
At 30 June 2026, the overall occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT’s portfolio stood at 90.8%. Occupancy rates of the office and retail portfolios came in at 92.0% and 88.4% respectively, while their corresponding passing rents were HK$30.6 per sq. ft. and HK$62.2 per sq. ft., down 1.3% and 2.7% from six months ago.
Dah Sing Financial Centre, the flagship office property of Sunlight REIT, recorded an occupancy of 91.8%, while its passing rent stayed largely unchanged at HK$35.2 per sq. ft. Regarding the retail portfolio, the occupancy of Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade came in at 86.9%, mainly attributable to the prolonged vacancy pending the replacement of a kindergarten tenant. Passing rent of this property was HK$98.2 per sq. ft. Meanwhile, Metro City Phase I Property reported an occupancy rate of 88.0%, while its passing rent was HK$52.0 per sq. ft.
Mr. Au Siu Kee, Alexander, Chairman of the Manager, said, “The sound financial position of Sunlight REIT provides a degree of assurance, as demonstrated by the favourable refinancing of over HK$3,600 million in debt facilities over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, we will prioritize strengthening operational resilience through disciplined cost management, prudent capital allocation and selective asset enhancement initiatives that support long-term value creation. In approaching its 20th listing anniversary, Sunlight REIT will endeavour to create sustainable value for the benefit of unitholders, while harnessing innovation and technology to bolster portfolio robustness and support future-ready asset management.”
Remarks: Attached financial highlights of 2026 interim results of Sunlight REIT.
Financial Highlights of 2026 Interim Results (in HK$’ million, unless otherwise specified)
Six months ended
30 June 2026
Six months ended
30 June 2025
Change
(%)
Revenue
382.4
391.2
(2.2)
Net property income
299.7
307.4
(2.5)
Cost-to-income ratio (%)
21.6
21.4
N/A
Loss after taxation
(124.1)
(172.2)
N/A
Distributable income
164.0
168.6
(2.7)
Distribution per unit (HK cents)
8.8
9.1
(3.3)
Payout ratio (%)
94.3
93.8
N/A
At 30 June
2026
At 31 December
2025
Change
(%)
Portfolio valuation
17,118.1
17,403.0
(1.6)
Net asset value
12,168.2
12,402.6
(1.9)
Net asset value per unit (HK$)
6.92
7.09
(2.4)
Gearing ratio (%)
28.3
27.8
N/A
Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.
Hashtag: #SunlightREIT #REIT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Sunlight REIT
Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 21 December 2006, Sunlight REIT (stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission, and constituted by the trust deed dated 26 May 2006 (as amended and restated) (the “Trust Deed”). It offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and six retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of approximately 1.3 million sq. ft. The office properties are located in both core and decentralized business areas, while the retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs, new towns and urban areas with high population density.
About the Manager
The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited. Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.
Wintermute has secured US broker-dealer registration, opening the door for the digital-asset market maker to trade equities and equity options and take a bigger role in exchange-traded products as the boundaries between crypto and conventional securities markets narrow. The expansion is being carried out through Wintermute USA LLC, its New York-based affiliate, which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the […]
Coinbase has opened US stock trading to customers in the UK, accelerating its push beyond cryptocurrencies as the exchange seeks to become a broader financial platform spanning digital assets, equities, savings and borrowing. The service began rolling out progressively to eligible UK users on August 6, giving customers access to nearly 4,000 US stocks through the same Coinbase application used for crypto and fiat holdings. Trading is […]
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