Japan’s $95bn REIT market gets mom and pop investors’ boost

Bloomberg This summer, Japanese real estate investment trusts benefited from an unexpected group of net buyers for the first time in nearly seven years: mom and pop investors. Encouraged by the relatively lucrative returns, an increasing number of retail investors are putting their money in some of 58 publicly-traded REITs tracked by the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s gauge. Individuals were net ...

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Apple refusal to approve ‘India spam app’ irks regulator

Bloomberg Apple Inc.’s refusal so far to approve the Indian government’s anti-spam iPhone app is infuriating regulators, potentially harming the company’s efforts to sell more products in the country. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has been trying unsuccessfully to get its Do Not Disturb software included in the App Store. The programme lets people share spam call and text ...

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McDonald’s Japan sees new store expansion

Bloomberg McDonald’s Japan is adding to its restaurant count for the first time in five years, underscoring a turnaround that prompted its US parent to reverse a decision to sell a stake in the company. McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan plans to open more restaurants than it will close in the second half, said Chief Executive Officer Sarah Casanova, adding that ...

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Russia plans gem reform to vie with Indian workers

Bloomberg Russia wants its biggest diamond miner to work more closely with the country’s top gem cutters so the industry can better compete in a market that’s dominated by Indian manufacturers. As part of a plan to boost the competitiveness of Russian diamonds, the government wants Alrosa PJSC to offer more favorable terms to cutters including Kristall Production Corp., Russia’s ...

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As world watches Kim, China builds South China Sea clout

Bloomberg As Kim Jong Un’s antics in North Korea capture global attention, China is quietly moving to bolster its grip on disputed territory in the South China Sea. Last month, a Philippine lawmaker released photos he said showed Chinese fishing, coast guard and navy vessels surrounding a Philippine-occupied isle in the Spratly island chain, preventing planned repairs to a runway. ...

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‘Russia probe’ could be extended into 2018

Bloomberg Congressional investigations of Russian meddling in the US election likely will be extended — perhaps into next year — because of revelations during Congress’ August recess about Trump associates’ contacts and meetings, Democrats on the Senate and House intelligence committees said. “It seems like there’s not a week that doesn’t go by that another undisclosed meeting doesn’t come up ...

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After Harvey, US braces for Hurricane Irma

Bloomberg Hurricane Irma, the most powerful storm to form in the open Atlantic Ocean, was barreling towards Puerto Rico late on Tuesday on a path that may bring it ashore in Florida and destroy so much property that damages may surpass Hurricane Katrina. Irma has sent cruise lines and insurance stocks plunging, with Barclays Plc estimating insured losses in a ...

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Moon seeks Putin help, warns of ‘uncontrollable’ North Korea

Bloomberg South Korean President Moon Jae-in sought to find common ground with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to prevent the situation on the Korean peninsula from spinning out of control. “If we fail to stop North Korea’s provocations now, it could sink into an uncontrollable situation,” Moon said in opening remarks before a meeting with Putin in Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday. ...

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Kenya opposition wants ‘fairness’ in new vote

Bloomberg Kenya’s main opposition alliance demanded the electoral commission be overhauled and said it wants guarantees on fairness in place before it agrees to participate in a rerun of last month’s annulled presidential election. The five-party National Super Alliance urged the Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission to remove six key officials from its secretariat, including Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba, ...

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Call for coalition to force Congo president’s exit

Bloomberg The Democratic Republic of Congo’s main opposition leader said parties should unite to force President Joseph Kabila to leave as plans to set a new date for elections are delayed. “Joseph Kabila is the sole obstacle on the way to the organization of elections in our country,” Felix Tshisekedi, leader of the Rassemblement coalition, told reporters in the capital, ...

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