If you thought shopping malls were a nightmare in the run-up to the holidays, just try owning one now that there is nothing left to do but take down the tinsel.

German prosecutors said Saturday they have launched several investigations into suspected insider trading at troubled lender Hypo Real Estate Holding AG.

Volatility in the stocks of real-estate companies are angering CEOs, who are blaming a popular trading strategy involving leveraged funds.

Big property developers are asking to be included in a new $200 billion loan program as a surge in commercial mortgages comes due.

Soho China tried to save a historic district in Beijing, but instead one of China’s best-known firms found itself locked out of revenue.

A sale or merger of Chrysler would raise the question of what would happen to the auto maker’s sprawling headquarters complex.

A construction binge has left the office and apartment sectors in the Austin, Texas, area bloated.

Across the globe this December, funds that invest government money have been among the few buyers of big-ticket properties.

 Irish Trade: Seasonally adjusted imports fell by 3% in October relative to September 2008. Exports from the multinational sector in particular, held steady. Relative to July 2008, imports fell by 14% over the three months to October 2008. Exports rose 2% over the same period. On an unadjusted basis, the value of imports in October 2008 was down 18% on October 2007, while the value of exports was down 3%. The value of imports in September 2008 was down 8%, while the value of exports was up 1% on September 2007, the CSO reported today.

Asia-Pacific Business and Finance
News: Toyota Motor shocked markets on Monday with a warning that it would suffer its first loss
in 71 years, as the worldwide
recession hits car makers besides the
embattled Big 3 in the United States; Japan announced November exports plunged
26.7% and in South Korea, sales on the national drink Soju are soaring.