MORNING NEWS: Investment, animal spirits and opportunity

In the news this morning, global investment into European, Middle Eastern and African real estate experienced a double-digit contraction in 2018 owing to a mix of political uncertainty, high valuations and a shortage of investable stock. Click here for the full story from EG.

Investors might then like to read EG’s column from Colliers International’s director of research and forecasting Walter Boettcher, who find reasons for optimism in UK real estate market fundamentals.

And one everyone ought to read. One year on from the President’s Club, Hardwick barrister and mediator Brie Stephens-Hoare QC outlines why MIPIM 2019 presents an opportunity to take a big step forward for diversity in real estate, to improve the culture and maximise business at the same time.

Elsewhere:

News round-up: Ghetto housing is a public failure – Reynolds

Number of empty homes in England rises to more than 216,000

Debenhams eyes larger refinancing to fend off Mike Ashley

Sushi chain Wasabi fishes for new funding

Stop high street Armageddon by cutting business rates

HMV rescue hits flat note for creditors

Accounting error increases Kier Group’s debt

British Land chairman John Gildersleeve is heading for the door