UAE Central Bank to hold rate after Fed pause amid regional tensions
Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled a cautious approach, noting that elevated energy prices and geopolitical tensions could complicate the inflation...
Economy
MEA market decision-making cycle is fast but risk-averse: Ralph MelisÂ
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets are characterized by rapid growth, high owner influence, diverse operator models, and a...
Interview
Economy
Wealthy Asians consider shifting assets from Dubai amid Iran war fears: report
Some wealthy Asian investors are considering moving assets out of Dubai following Iranian missile and drone attacks on the city,...
- Dubai has in recent years become a preferred wealth hub for entrepreneurs and affluent families in Asia, particularly from China
- The total assets of the UAE’s banking and financial sector exceeded 5.42 trillion dirhams ($1.48 trillion), according to the country’s central bank
Geostrategy
Meta, YouTube face trial over children harm
Opening statements in the first trial began in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where Instagram parent company Meta and Google’s...
- The case may influence thousands of lawsuits alleging social media features harmed young users’ mental health and wellbeing.
- Meta and YouTube have denied the allegations, saying they have implemented tools and policies aimed at improving safety for younger users.
Geostrategy
Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns
Lale Akoner, Global Market Analyst, says while the escalation has introduced new risks, the broader investment case for equities in...
- Iran escalation heightens sensitivity to oil, inflation and interest rates, shaping equity valuations and expectations for monetary policy.
- US markets show resilience as investors favor liquidity and Treasuries, supporting the dollar during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Economy
Gulf sovereign wealth funds face a strategic test amid escalating conflict
The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is emerging as a major test for the Gulf’s sovereign...
- The United Arab Emirates is expected to maintain a fiscal surplus over the next two years
- Saudi Arabia has already been running significant deficits tied to its economic transformation agenda
Economy
GCC agriculture sectors post strong 2024 performance
Muscat, Oman -- Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded strong performance in agriculture, livestock and fisheries during 2024, reflecting the growing...
- Agricultural and fisheries exports rose to $7.8 billion, up 7.5 percent, while imports reached $38.7 billion, an increase of 10.1 percent.
- Vegetables accounted for 45.8 percent of total crop production, the largest share among plant products.
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate 2 percent in Jan, rental prices main driver
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate in Jan 2025 reached 2 percent compared to January 2024, the...
- According to GASTAT, Saudi Arabia's inflation rate is considered the lowest among the G20 countries.
- CPI measures the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 490 items.
Business
Stocks mostly rise, oil falls as Trump fans Ukraine peace hopes
London, United Kingdom -- Major stock markets mostly rallied and oil prices retreated Thursday on hopes for an end to the...
- London was a rare faller owing to sharp losses to share prices of big companies, including Unilever, Barclays and British American Tobacco.
- With Russia being a major producer of oil, crude futures fell heavily on easing supply concerns, while the dollar lost some of its safe-haven support.
Asian stocks rise as Powell rate warning taken in stride
Equities rose in Asia on Wednesday as traders took in their stride a warning from Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell...
- New York Fed chief John Williams said the economy and consumer spending remained strong
- Wall Street ended Tuesday positively, despite tech stocks dragging the Nasdaq into the red
Economy
IMF projects 3.3% global growth for 2025, MENA to rebound to 3.6%
Dubai, UAE -- The International Monterey Fund (IMF) has projected global growth to remain at 3.3 percent this year and...
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that growth in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to rebound to about 3.6 percent in 2025.
- She warned that global public debt is projected to hit 100 percent of global GDP by 2030.
Asian markets advance after Wall St gains, US Postal Service U-turn
Asian markets rose Thursday, tracking gains on Wall Street and following the US Postal Service's U-turn on a ban on...
- Investors remained on edge about the economic outlook, pushing Gold prices above US$2,882
- Disappointing earnings from Google-parent Alphabet weighed on the tech sector
UAE Central Bank to hold rate after Fed pause amid regional tensions
Fed Chair Jerome Powell signalled a cautious approach, noting that elevated energy prices and geopolitical tensions could complicate the inflation...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
IMF says Omicron could slow global growth
According to the economists, Omicron's threat to economy will likely be less severe than the previous waves.
Qatar takes key step to control own airspace
Qatar said on Tuesday that it has been given a preliminary green light by a UN body on a proposal...
G20 ministers set to green light global tax reform
Finance ministers from the G20 richest nations are expected to give the green light Saturday to a historic deal to...
Saudi Arabia to generate $150 billion in investments from its new transport policy
The government would provide thirty-five percent of the investments The rest of it, sixty-five percent, will come from the private...
Saudi Arabia to create 40,000 jobs for its nationals
Job creation is part of Saudi strategy to help residents obtain high-quality jobs The strategy seeks to push more Saudi...
Meta, YouTube face trial over children harm
Geostrategy
Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns
Lale Akoner, Global Market Analyst, says while the escalation has introduced new risks, the broader investment case for equities in...
Geostrategy
Gulf sovereign wealth funds face a strategic test amid escalating conflict
The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is emerging as a major test for the Gulf’s sovereign...
Economy
GCC agriculture sectors post strong 2024 performance
Muscat, Oman -- Gulf Cooperation Council countries recorded strong performance in agriculture, livestock and fisheries during 2024, reflecting the growing...
Economy
Most Read
Business
Stocks mostly rise, oil falls as Trump fans Ukraine peace hopes
London, United Kingdom -- Major stock markets mostly rallied and oil prices retreated Thursday on hopes for an end to the...
- London was a rare faller owing to sharp losses to share prices of big companies, including Unilever, Barclays and British American Tobacco.
- With Russia being a major producer of oil, crude futures fell heavily on easing supply concerns, while the dollar lost some of its safe-haven support.
Asian stocks rise as Powell rate warning taken in stride
Equities rose in Asia on Wednesday as traders took in their stride a warning from Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell...
- New York Fed chief John Williams said the economy and consumer spending remained strong
- Wall Street ended Tuesday positively, despite tech stocks dragging the Nasdaq into the red
Economy
IMF projects 3.3% global growth for 2025, MENA to rebound to 3.6%
Dubai, UAE -- The International Monterey Fund (IMF) has projected global growth to remain at 3.3 percent this year and...
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said that growth in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to rebound to about 3.6 percent in 2025.
- She warned that global public debt is projected to hit 100 percent of global GDP by 2030.