Brookfield Raises $4 Billion for Infrastructure Debt Fund

The New Zealand government has announced its support for energy firms to invest in critical infrastructure, a move that aims to enhance the country's energy security and sustainability. This initiative is significant as it not only boosts the economy by creating jobs but also ensures a reliable energy supply for the future, addressing both current and upcoming energy demands.

Southland Holdings has successfully secured $130 million in new infrastructure projects, marking a significant milestone for the company and the industry. This funding will not only enhance their capacity to deliver essential services but also create numerous job opportunities, contributing to economic growth in the region. The investment reflects confidence in Southland's expertise and the ongoing demand for infrastructure development.

Brookfield Asset Management has announced the dissolution of its toll roads subsidiary in Peru, which manages the country's two busiest highways. This decision comes in response to significant and unsustainable losses attributed to local authorities. The move highlights the challenges faced by foreign investors in the region and raises concerns about the future of infrastructure projects in Peru.

CoreWeave has been initiated at an Outperform rating by Evercore, highlighting the growing demand for AI infrastructure. This is significant as it reflects the increasing reliance on AI technologies across various sectors, suggesting that CoreWeave is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and deliver strong performance in the market.

CenterPoint Energy has announced an ambitious $65 billion capital spending plan over the next decade, aiming to enhance its infrastructure and invest in renewable energy sources. This significant investment not only reflects the company's commitment to modernizing its operations but also highlights the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions. By focusing on infrastructure improvements and green initiatives, CenterPoint is positioning itself as a leader in the energy sector, which could lead to job creation and economic growth in the regions it serves.

Baird has made a strategic move by purchasing $8.4k worth of shares in abrdn's global infrastructure fund. This investment highlights Baird's confidence in the infrastructure sector, which is crucial for economic growth and stability. By investing in global infrastructure, Baird is positioning itself to benefit from future developments and opportunities in this essential area.

At the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, key figures in the infrastructure sector, including Bruce Flatt of Brookfield, Shemara Wikramanayake from Macquarie Group, and Adebayo Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure Partners, shared insights on the current state of global infrastructure. Their discussion, moderated by Bloomberg's Jason Kelly, highlights the importance of infrastructure investment in driving economic growth and addressing global challenges, making it a crucial topic for policymakers and investors alike.

Swift is set to enhance its messaging system by integrating a blockchain-based ledger, a move that could revolutionize how financial institutions manage transactions. This upgrade is significant as it promises to improve transparency and efficiency in the financial sector, potentially transforming the way billions of dollars are transferred daily.

PPE Medpro, a company linked to Baroness Mone, has been ordered by the court to repay £122 million in damages related to a PPE contract. This ruling highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges surrounding government contracts during the pandemic, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public spending.

Pulsar Helium has made an exciting discovery of helium-3 at its Minnesota project, a rare isotope that has significant potential for use in advanced technologies and energy solutions. This finding not only highlights the company's innovative exploration efforts but also positions Minnesota as a key player in the helium market, which is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications. The implications of this discovery could lead to advancements in energy production and contribute to the growing demand for helium-3 in the global market.

An officer at United Natural Foods has sold $411,000 worth of stock, which is a significant transaction that could indicate various strategic moves within the company. Such sales can often raise questions among investors about the officer's confidence in the company's future performance. It's important for stakeholders to monitor these activities as they can impact stock prices and investor sentiment.

Nike is experiencing a rebound in its business, particularly in China, despite facing challenges from tariffs. This is significant as it highlights the brand's resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions, which could influence investor confidence and future growth.

A Polish court has ruled that a Ukrainian national, who is wanted in connection with the Nord Stream case, must remain in custody. This decision highlights the ongoing legal complexities surrounding the investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline incidents, which have significant geopolitical implications. The case continues to draw attention as it involves international relations and energy security.

Today, the FTSE 100 index saw a notable climb, driven primarily by a surge in healthcare stocks. This uptick comes amidst a backdrop of declining UK manufacturing PMI, which indicates a contraction in the manufacturing sector. The contrasting movements in the stock market highlight the resilience of healthcare investments, even as other sectors face challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors looking to navigate the current economic landscape.