Global gas flaring surges again, costs $63bn in lost energy: WB
Washington, UAE -- Global gas flaring surged for a second year in a row, wasting about $63 billion in lost...
Geostrategy
Trump to unveil investments to power AI boom
Washington, United States - US President Donald Trump heads to Pennsylvania on Tuesday to announce energy and infrastructure deals intended...
Research
Geostrategy
Lebanon cabinet appoints Karim Souaid central bank governor
Born in 1964, Souaid officially takes over after embattled former chief Riad Salameh's term expired in July 2023 with no...
- First vice-governor Wassim Manssouri had been acting head of the bank, a post that is traditionally reserved for a Maronite Christian in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system.
- Souaid is the founder and managing partner at Gulf-based Growthgate, according to his biography on the private investment firm's website.
Economy
Trump announces 25% tariffs on foreign-built vehicles
US President Donald Trump has announced steep tariffs on auto imports and parts, provoking threats of retaliation from trading partners...
- The duties take effect at 12:01 am (0401 GMT) on April 3 and impact foreign-made cars and light trucks while key automobile parts will also be hit within the month
- But the White House added that vehicles entering under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can qualify for a lower rate depending on their American content
Business
Stock markets rise on fresh hopes for Trump’s tariff approach
Investor sentiment has been jolted in recent weeks by fears that the president's hardball policies could deal a painful blow...
- Gold held at around $3,030 an ounce (28.3 grammes), having hit a series of records last week to a peak of more than $3,057 owing to a surge in demand for safe havens.
- Asian markets fluctuated through the day, with Tokyo falling while Hong Kong and Shanghai rose.
Science
EU skewers Google, Apple over tech rules – despite Trump threats
The European Union defied US threats of retaliation Wednesday by accusing Google of violating its digital rules -- which could...
- The moves risk opening up a new front in the already fraught relationship between the EU and President Donald Trump,
- Apple and Google responded that the EU risked European users' security and its moves would hinder innovation
Economy
AI, wealth management and trust: Could machines replace human advisors?
The future of wealth management lies in hybrid models, combining AI’s data-driven precision with human empathy and ethical oversight. While...
- By 2027, AI-driven investment tools are expected to become the primary source of advice for retail investors
- The question of AI’s impact on different factors and its overall implications is an important one to address.
Economy
OECD lowers global growth projections over tariffs, uncertainty
"We are navigating troubled waters," said the OECD's chief economist Alvaro Santos Pereira as he summed up the world's economic...
- While global economic activity remained "resilient" in 2024 with a 3.2 percent increase in GDP, the OECD trimmed back its 2025 projection from 3.3 percent growth to 3.1 percent.
- That was due to "higher trade barriers in several G20 economies and increased geopolitical and policy uncertainty weighing on investment and household spending".
Economy
Real challenges of digital transformation
Blockchain enhances security and efficiency by decentralizing data storage, and reducing fraud, David Boast tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
- Businesses face challenges in cloud migration, including regulatory concerns, legacy systems, and employee resistance, says David Boast
- Poor execution, lack of employee buy-in, and conflicting leadership opinions often lead to digital transformation failures
Economy
US Fed likely to keep rates steady as uncertainty over Trump’s economic policies looms
Since January, Trump has imposed levies on major trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, and on steel and aluminum imports,...
- The Trump administration has also embarked on unprecedented cost-cutting efforts that target staff and spending, while the president has promised tax reductions and deregulation.
- But Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized this month that it is the "net effect" of policy changes that will matter for both the economy and monetary policy.
Interview
The future of logistics: Insights from DHL’s Amadou Diallo
The future of logistics is a convergence of technology, sustainability, and human ingenuity, which are transforming supply chains into more...
- in the MEA region, key hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Casablanca, Salalah, Nairobi, Durban, and Tema serve as vital nodes for regional distribution.
- Additionally, hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, and Addis Ababa improve connectivity within this region, said Diallo.
Economy
Humanity’s future is increasingly inseparable from AI
Private sector, governments, and nonprofits must invest in AI education, Jason Alan Snyder tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
- Top executives are leveraging AI to enhance their capabilities, enabling them to become highly innovative communicators, Jason Alan Snyder tells TRENDS
- A 2024 OECD report reveals that AI is reshaping critical aspects of human development, including health, education, social norms, he adds
Global gas flaring surges again, costs $63bn in lost energy: WB
Washington, UAE -- Global gas flaring surged for a second year in a row, wasting about $63 billion in lost...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Boeing lowers 2044 global air fleet outlook amid supply chain woes
New York, United States -- The global commercial aviation fleet will stand just under 50,000 planes in 2044, with most...
Economy
IBM claims ‘real world’ edge in quantum computing race
San Francisco, United States -- Technology veteran IBM on Tuesday laid out a plan to have a "practical" quantum computer...
Science
World Bank cuts growth forecast on trade tumult, warns of ‘deep’ harm
The bank lowered its projection for global GDP growth to 2.3 percent in its latest economic prospects report, down from...
Economy
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Economy
Saudi Arabia’s real GDP grows by 3.4 percent in Q1 mainly on non-oil activities
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia’s first quarter real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.4 percent year-on-year, according to...
- Sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels led the way, recording an impressive 8.4% annual growth, reflecting a rebound in consumer demand and tourism.r
- On a quarterly basis, seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 1.1 percent compared to Q4 2024, signaling continued economic momentum into the year.
Economy
US, China seek to extend trade truce with London talks
After a round of talks in Geneva last month, the United States and China will sit down at the negotiating...
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead the US delegation
- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng - who led Beijing's negotiating team in Geneva - will also lead the team in London, the foreign ministry announced at the weekend
Economy
Key MENA trends: M&A surge to five-year high, Saudi port activity rises in May
Qatar's foreign reserves rise 3.6 percent year-on-year despite a dip in bonds and treasury holdings, Iraq releases Australian and Egyptian...
- Egypt and Turkey continue their coordination on ceasefire efforts and humanitarian aid, as diplomatic momentum struggles against on-ground escalation.
- The ICRC has warned that the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with medical infrastructure under increasing strain from ongoing hostilities.