World’s biggest sovereign fund enters Asian property market

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund paid ¥92.75 billion (SR3.09 billion) for a 70 percent stake in five commercial buildings in Tokyo. Above, the Tokyo skyline. (AFP)
Updated 07 December 2017
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World’s biggest sovereign fund enters Asian property market

OSLO, Norway: Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s biggest at more than $1 trillion (SR3.75 trillion), has made its first investment in the Asian real estate market, the Norwegian central bank said on Thursday.
The fund, which has already invested in property in Europe and North America, paid ¥92.75 billion (SR3.09 billion) for a 70 percent stake in five commercial buildings in Tokyo.
“This is the fund’s first real estate investment in Asia and is in line with our strategy to build a high-quality, global portfolio,” Karsten Kallevig, the head of the fund’s real estate management, said in a statement.
The remaining 30 percent were acquired by Tokyu Land Corporation.
Real estate accounts for 2.5 percent of the fund’s overall investments.
Intended to finance Norway’s welfare state when the country’s oil wells one day run dry, the fund mainly invests in stocks (65.9 percent of the portfolio) and bonds (31.6 percent).


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

Updated 19 February 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,947 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Thursday, losing 208.20 points, or 1.87 percent, to close at 10,947.25. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.80 billion ($1.28 billion), as 14 of the listed stocks advanced, while 253 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 25.35 points, or 1.69 percent, to close at 1,477.71. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 217.90 points, or 0.92 percent, to close at 23,404.75. This came as 24 of the listed stocks advanced, while 43 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Musharaka REIT Fund, with its share price up 2.12 percent to SR4.34. 

Other top performers included Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co., which saw its share price rise by 1.18 percent to SR17.20, and Saudi Industrial Export Co., which saw a 0.8 percent increase to SR2.51. 

On the downside, Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. was among the day’s biggest decliners, with its share price falling 9.3 percent to SR39. 

National Medical Care Co. fell 8.98 percent to SR128.80, while National Co. for Learning and Education declined 6.35 percent to SR116.50. 

On the announcements front, Red Sea International said its subsidiary, the Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Co., has entered into a framework agreement with King Salman International Airport Development Co. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company noted that the agreement establishes the general terms and conditions for the execution of enabling works at the King Salman International Airport project in Riyadh.  

Under the 48-month contract, the scope of work includes the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.  

Utilizing a re-measurement model, specific work orders will be issued on a call-off basis, with the final contract value to be determined upon the completion and measurement of actual quantities executed.  

The financial impact of this collaboration is expected to begin reflecting on the company’s statements starting in the first quarter of 2026, the statement said. 

The company’s share price reached SR23.05, marking a 2.45 percent decrease on the main market.