Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners generated funds from operations (FFO) of $2.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a 10% increase compared to 2024 when normalized for asset sales and foreign exchange [4][5] - The fourth quarter FFO reached a record of $0.87 per unit, leading to a conservative payout ratio of 66% and a 6% increase in quarterly distribution to $1.82 per unit, marking the 17th consecutive year of distribution increases of at least 5% [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transport segment generated FFO of $1.1 billion, consistent with the prior year after normalizing for $1.8 billion in capital recycling initiatives, with higher revenues in rail and toll road segments [6][7] - The midstream segment's FFO increased by 7% year-over-year to $668 million, driven by higher volumes in Canadian natural gas operations and a newly acquired US refined products pipeline [7][8] - The data segment's FFO surged over 50% to $502 million, attributed to new investments and strong organic growth, including the commissioning of 220 megawatts of capacity at hyperscale data centers [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global data center platform has development potential of approximately 3.6 gigawatts, with contracted capacity exceeding 2.3 gigawatts [9] - In 2025, corporates invested around $500 billion into AI-related infrastructure, with expectations for further capital investment in the next two years [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a prudent, risk-focused approach to AI infrastructure investing, emphasizing long-term contracts and selective partnerships with investment-grade counterparties [12][13] - Brookfield Infrastructure aims to capitalize on structural themes such as digitalization, decarbonization, and deglobalization, positioning itself for a super cycle in infrastructure investment [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating a return to 10% or higher per unit growth, supported by resilient cash flows and a robust pipeline of investment opportunities [20][21] - The company highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined execution strategy to convert demand into durable returns, particularly in the data center sector [16][17] Other Important Information - The company achieved record liquidity of $6 billion at the end of 2025, bolstered by $3.1 billion in asset sale proceeds [9] - Significant new investments included a $125 million acquisition of a South Korean industrial gas business and a $300 million investment in a railcar leasing platform [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on your contract approach to mitigate technology risk in data centers? - Management explained that long-term contracts (around 15 years) help avoid technology risks by ensuring that any necessary infrastructure changes are not at their cost [28][30] Question: What is the expected return on new data center developments? - Management indicated that new data centers yield a return of 9% to 10%, with monetization at cap rates of 5.5% to 6%, leading to potential equity returns in the high teens or twenties [26][27] Question: Can you provide details on the KKR acquisition of data centers? - Management stated that they cannot disclose specific transaction details but confirmed joint ventures with institutional investors across North America and Europe, totaling about 850 megawatts [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for inflation indexation across geographies in 2026? - Management expects inflation indexation in OECD markets to average between 2% and 3%, with emerging markets like India and Brazil ranging from 2% to 4% [46][47] Question: How is the capital backlog in data operations expected to evolve? - Management noted a significant increase in the capital backlog, driven by hyperscale projects, and expects about $1.5 billion to come online in 2026 [51][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Brookfield Infrastructure generated funds from operations (FFO) of $2.6 billion, reflecting a 10% increase compared to 2024 when normalized for asset sales and foreign exchange [4] - The fourth quarter FFO reached a record of $0.87 per unit, leading to a 6% increase in quarterly distribution to $1.82 per unit, marking the 17th consecutive year of distribution increases of at least 5% [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transport segment generated FFO of $1.1 billion, consistent with the prior year after normalizing for $1.8 billion of capital recycling initiatives, with revenue growth in rail and toll road segments averaging 2% and 3% respectively [5] - The midstream segment's FFO increased by 7% year-over-year to $668 million, driven by higher volumes in Canadian natural gas operations and a newly acquired US refined products pipeline [6] - The data segment saw FFO of $502 million, a more than 50% increase compared to the previous year, attributed to new investments and strong organic growth in data storage [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record liquidity of $6 billion at the end of 2025, bolstered by $3.1 billion in asset sale proceeds [8] - The global data center platform has development potential of approximately 3.6 gigawatts, with contracted capacity exceeding 2.3 gigawatts [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Brookfield Infrastructure is focusing on AI infrastructure investing, leveraging sector tailwinds to create durable value for unitholders [2][10] - The company is applying a risk-focused approach to AI infrastructure, emphasizing long-term contracts and selective investment in strong counterparties [11][12] - The strategic initiatives include deploying approximately $1.5 billion into new investments and maintaining a robust pipeline of opportunities across sectors and geographies [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a constructive backdrop for infrastructure in 2026, driven by digitalization, decarbonization, and deglobalization trends [19] - The company anticipates returning to a growth target of 10% or higher per unit in 2026, supported by resilient cash flows and a strong capital deployment outlook [20] Other Important Information - The company completed approximately $16 billion in financings to de-risk operating company balance sheets [3] - The company has secured two transactions expected to generate attractive returns, including a sale of a Brazilian electricity transmission concession and a capital partnership for data centers in North America [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on your contract approach to mitigate technology risk in data centers? - Management explained that long-term contracts (15 years) help manage technology risk by ensuring that any necessary infrastructure changes are not at their cost, allowing them to focus on core infrastructure [24][28] Question: Can you provide details on the KKR acquisition of a stake in a portfolio of data centers? - Management stated they cannot disclose specific transaction details but confirmed joint ventures with institutional investors, including KKR, across various markets [32][34] Question: What is the expected inflation indexation across geographies in 2026? - Management indicated that inflation indexation in OECD markets is expected to average between 2% and 3%, while emerging markets like India and Brazil may see inflation pass-through in the range of 2%-4% [45] Question: Can you provide an update on the capital backlog and its drivers? - Management noted that the data center platform saw significant growth, with a backlog increase driven by new contracts and acquisitions, particularly in North America and Europe [49][51] Question: How does the Canada-Alberta MOU impact midstream investments? - Management stated it is too early to determine the MOU's impact but noted existing growth initiatives and a strong operational environment in Canada [64][66]

分组1: Federal Reserve and Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady this week, with no new projections anticipated [37][38] - There is significant interest in the press conference for insights on the Fed's future rate decisions and potential dissents among policymakers [40][41] - The current economic environment is described as being in a "plausible range of neutral," indicating a balanced approach to monetary policy [39] 分组2: Earnings Reports and Market Reactions - Major tech companies including Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple are set to report earnings this week, with a focus on AI impacts and spending plans [19][30][26] - Microsoft is expected to report a revenue of approximately $25.1 billion for Q4, with analysts looking for insights on Azure growth and capacity constraints [32][23] - Meta is anticipated to provide updates on its spending plans and the performance of its Reality Labs division, which has seen layoffs and a shift in focus [28][29] 分组3: Precious Metals Market - Gold prices have surged above $5,000 per ounce for the first time, indicating potential market concerns and geopolitical tensions [42][44] - The silver market is also experiencing significant movements, suggesting a shift in inflation expectations from disinflation to potential hyperinflation [45] - The decline of the dollar is contributing to the rise in precious metals, raising questions about future economic stability and purchasing power [46][48] 分组4: Impact of Winter Storm on Industries - A severe winter storm has affected 17 states, leading to widespread power outages and significant disruptions in travel, with approximately 823,000 people without power and over 10,000 flight cancellations [9][10] - Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's are expected to see increased demand for supplies due to the storm, while delivery services like DoorDash have paused operations in affected areas [13][16] - The storm's impact on consumer behavior and supply chains may influence Q1 earnings for companies in the retail and utility sectors [14][11]

Summary of Marcus & Millichap Update / Briefing (January 22, 2026) Company Overview - **Company**: Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI) - **Established**: 1971 by George Marcus and Bill Millichap - **Focus**: Real estate investment brokerage and information delivery to the investment community [3][4] Economic Outlook for 2026 - **GDP Growth**: Expected to be between 2.5% and 3%, an improvement from 2025's growth of 2% to 2.5% [7][8] - **Unemployment Rate**: Currently at 4.4%, projected to rise to between 4.5% and 5% by next year [8] - **Key Growth Drivers**: - **Artificial Intelligence (AI)**: Significant investment in data centers and AI-related infrastructure, with the U.S. leading globally [10][11] - **Fiscal Stimulus**: Tax cuts and increased government spending expected to boost GDP by approximately $100 billion, contributing 2%-3% to GDP [13] - **Headwinds**: - **Deglobalization**: Ongoing tariffs and restrictive immigration policies impacting job growth [9][14] - **Labor Market**: Job growth has stagnated, with healthcare being the only sector adding jobs [15][16] Risks to Economic Growth - **K-shaped Economy**: Increasing income inequality affecting consumer spending, with the top 20% of earners driving a significant portion of economic activity [18][19] - **Equity Market Valuations**: High valuations in the stock market pose a risk if AI adoption does not lead to expected productivity gains [20][21] - **Bond Market Fragility**: Concerns about potential dislocation in the bond market, which could impact financial and real estate markets [22][23] Commercial Real Estate Insights - **Market Trends**: - **Apartments**: Stable vacancy rates below 5%, but a significant drop in multifamily starts (72% from peak) and units under construction [36][39] - **Office Market**: Gradual recovery with improved daily attendance, but significant variance in vacancy rates between older urban and newer suburban properties [48][50] - **Industrial Market**: High vacancy rates due to a surge in construction, but demand remains steady for smaller, private investor-owned facilities [51][58] - **Housing Affordability**: Only 28% of Americans can qualify for a typical first home purchase, leading to increased demand for rental housing [39][46] Federal Policy and Housing Market - **Proposed Limitations**: Recent federal proposals to limit acquisition of single-family homes driven by political pressures related to affordability concerns [42][43] - **Supply Focus**: Emphasis on increasing housing supply as a solution to affordability issues, with ongoing advocacy for policies that support this goal [44][46] Conclusion - **Overall Outlook**: 2026 is expected to be a better year for operations and rent growth due to supply pullback and strong demand, although challenges remain in the labor market and economic risks persist [47][48]

Commodities asset manager Sprott (NYSE:SII) , known for treating precious metals as a macro signal, is evaluating the market’s structural change following one of the strongest years on record for gold and silver.The commodity sector, in its view, is no longer a trade—it's becoming a core allocation shaped by politics, policy, and power.That framework is laid out in Sprott’s Top 10 Themes for 2026 report, which walks investors through a map of a fractured global system. Three ideas dominate the narrative: ac ...

Group 1: Market Overview - Sprott is evaluating structural changes in the commodities market following a strong year for gold and silver, indicating that commodities are becoming a core allocation influenced by politics and policy [1] - The report outlines three dominant themes: accelerating deglobalization, the rise of the debasement trade, and the continuation of a gold and silver bull market [2] Group 2: Deglobalization and Strategic Assets - Deglobalization is now a reality, with governments prioritizing sovereignty and supply security over cost minimization, placing commodities at the center of this trend [3] - Critical minerals and precious metals are being reclassified as strategic assets, leading to fragmented markets and regional shortages [4] Group 3: Inflationary Trends - The trend towards nearshoring and domestic production is inflationary, causing gold to regain its relevance as a reserve asset in a multipolar world, while silver benefits as both a store of value and an industrial input [5] Group 4: The Debt Conundrum - The debasement trade reflects a long-term shift from fiat currencies to tangible assets due to chronic government deficits that central banks must accommodate [6][7] - By 2025, U.S. public debt is projected to exceed $38 trillion, with little political appetite for austerity, complicating monetary policy independence [8] Group 5: Precious Metals Market - Gold is viewed as underowned despite its recent rally, with significant buying from central banks, particularly China, suggesting continued upside potential into 2026 [11] - Silver's role has evolved from a monetary asset to a critical industrial commodity, facing persistent supply deficits due to its production dynamics [12] Group 6: Emerging Opportunities - Uranium is identified as a cornerstone of energy security, supported by government funding for nuclear power and increasing demand driven by AI [14] - Copper is facing supply shortages due to electrification and grid expansions, while rare earths are seen as strategic bottlenecks influenced by geopolitics [15]

HAIKOU, China, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One month into the island-wide special customs operations, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in south China has maintained smooth and orderly functioning, with initial achievements in economic aggregation. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Hainan Heren Pearl Co., Ltd., which mainly imports pearls from overseas, has emerged as a direct beneficiary of Hainan FTP policies. Under the value-added processing polic ...

Core Insights - The article discusses how multipolarity, deglobalization, and nearshoring are expected to lead to a structural increase in inflation, as predicted by economists [1] Group 1: Economic Trends - Multipolarity is emerging as a significant trend, indicating a shift in global power dynamics that may affect economic stability and inflation rates [1] - Deglobalization is highlighted as a factor that could disrupt traditional supply chains, potentially leading to increased costs and inflationary pressures [1] - Nearshoring is becoming more prevalent as companies seek to relocate production closer to their consumer markets, which may also contribute to rising inflation due to higher operational costs [1] Group 2: Inflation Predictions - Economists predict that these trends will not only affect current inflation rates but may also lead to a long-term structural shift in how inflation behaves in the global economy [1] - The anticipated increase in inflation is expected to be driven by changes in trade patterns and production locations, which could alter pricing dynamics across various industries [1]

We are in the process of accelerating deglobalization. The process of de-globalization involves decoupling into two blocks: 1) the US-led block with the EU allies and other NATO members, and 2) the China-led block, together with Russia, Iran, and North Korea.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am n ...

Core Insights - Brookfield's 2026 Investment Outlook emphasizes a significant investment period driven by structural, multi-decade cycles, including rising electricity demand, rapid AI adoption, and the reorientation of global supply chains [1][2] Infrastructure - A once-in-a-generation investment supercycle is underway, with infrastructure at its center, driven by AI, electrification, and reindustrialization [4] - Brookfield is collaborating with corporates and sovereigns to develop essential power, data, and logistics networks to support global growth [4] Renewable Power & Transition - Access to power is identified as a strategic priority for economic growth, with a focus on scalable, reliable, and clean energy solutions [5][6] - The approach includes a mix of renewables, storage, nuclear, and natural gas to meet soaring demand [8] Private Equity - The private equity sector is shifting towards operational excellence for value creation, moving away from financial engineering [7] - Opportunities are seen in industrial companies needing operational transformation due to deglobalization and digitalization [9] Real Estate - 2026 is expected to be a year of tactical investment in real estate, with a focus on selectivity and operational value creation [10] - Key areas of opportunity include diversified housing, logistics, and hospitality, driven by long-term structural demand [10] Credit - The credit market fundamentals are robust, with increasing demand for financing and a focus on disciplined underwriting [11] - High-quality borrowers and resilient income structures are prioritized to capitalize on attractive investment opportunities [11]