US Fed set for first rate cut of 2025 as Trump pressure looms
The US Federal Reserve is poised to make its first interest rate cut of 2025 on Wednesday, but it battles...
Economy
Stock markets strike records despite geopolitical unrest
Gains for oil prices were relatively modest, while gas futures were unmoved after Israel's strikes Tuesday against Hamas in gas-rich...
Business
Economy
Data, rail, electricity key focus as G20 eyes EU-Middle East-India trade plan
Major G20 partners are set to unveil ambitious plans on Saturday to enhance trade among India, the Middle East, and...
- Washington, Saudi Arabia, the EU, the United Arab Emirates and others will sign the deal on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi
- Washington actively prods Riyadh - a major oil producer and security partner - to normalize ties with Israel after decades of conflict and closed borders
Geostrategy
With no deal in place with Ukraine, Russia starts grain supply initiative
Moscow, Russia - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin has confirmed the commencement of the implementation of the Russian grain...
- The initiative was initially proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pledged to provide one million metric tons of grain at a preferential price
- Vershinin stated that practical steps are now being taken, including communication with the involved parties to establish a trilateral agreement
Geostrategy
‘Qatar leads the charge in food security initiatives’
Several ministers of agriculture and food security from UN's Food and Agriculture Organization member states at the event discussed key...
- Qatar plays a major role in advancing food security at local, regional, and global scales, says Qatar’s Municipality Minister
- The country's key initiatives include dairy cow importation, poultry self-sufficiency, and innovative greenhouse techniques
Geostrategy
West blocked Russian assets worth $280bn, says US treasury
Washington, US - The REPO (Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs) task force, set up to search and freeze Russia-related assets, estimates the...
- “The total value of assets is estimated at around $280 billion, the majority of which is held in the European Union,” the US Department of the Treasury said.
- Reportedly, the task force has completed its “initial effort to map and account for Russian sovereign assets that are immobilized and held in REPO member jurisdictions".
Economy
Iran receives US$6.7bn foreign investment in May 2023 EXPO, says official
TEHRAN, IRAN - Foreign companies and governments committed some US$6.7 billion worth of investments during an exhibition that was held...
- The Iranian diplomat said that his country has an ambitious vision to diversify its economy away from crude oil revenues.
- He said that this includes expanding the transportation infrastructure in Iran to significantly increase its cargo transit revenues.
Economy
Global rice prices hit 15-year high after India curbs: FAO
Rice is a major world food staple and prices on international markets have soared in the wake of the Covid...
- The consumer affairs and food ministry said at the time that the move would "ensure adequate availability" and "allay the rise in prices in the domestic market".
- The ban was expected to hit African nations, Turkey, Syria and Pakistan, all of which were already struggling with high inflation, data analytics firm Gro Intelligence said.
Business
RAKEZ, Indian Economic Trade Organization ink MoU to boost business ties
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE - Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) have signed...
- The collaboration focuses on initiating trade missions and investment forums to help Indian businesses understand what RAKEZ offers.
- The agreement promises customized business services for Indian companies that are tailored to their aspiration of expanding into the MENA region.
Economy
UAE vows full backing for GCC economic integration by 2025
Dubai, UAE - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the economic integration of the Gulf...
- The UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister Bin Touq called for developing the mechanisms of economic integration within the GCC
- The UAE urged finalization of the customs union, the establishment of a common GCC market, and the utilization of AI to bolster developmental endeavors
US interest rates in ‘good place,’ for now: Fed officials
The comments from three regional Fed presidents with a vote on setting interest rates will likely solidify expectations that the...
- Analysts have raised the chances of the Fed successfully cutting inflation while avoiding recession, which is also known as a "soft landing"
- Earlier this week, the Fed said robust tourism spending was helping to keep the wheels of the world's largest economy turning
Economy
Gig economy accounts for up to 12% of the global labor market: WB
Washington, US – The ‘gig economy’ accounts for up to 12 percent of the global labor market—much higher than previously...
- While developed countries currently dominate the demand for gig workers, the demand in developing countries is growing at a much faster rate
- Almost 60 percent of firms surveyed in poorer countries reported increased outsourcing to gig workers. In wealthier countries, less than half said the same
US Fed set for first rate cut of 2025 as Trump pressure looms
The US Federal Reserve is poised to make its first interest rate cut of 2025 on Wednesday, but it battles...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
UAE launches national strategy to combat money laundering, terror financing
The strategy focuses on risk-based compliance, international cooperation, effective supervision, and disrupting illicit financial activities through improved data collection, analysis,...
Economy
How Pakistan is becoming a top tech hub in the GCC
Pakistan's IT sector is thriving, with growing exports and recognition as a tech hub, driven by government support, skilled talent,...
Economy
Saudi Business Council established to strengthen Eastern European partnerships
The council aims to align its focus with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the economic agendas of Eastern European countries,...
Economy
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Asia shares edge up and dollar down; oil gains
Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday, while the dollar and bond yields were on the wane ahead of inflation...
- Oil prices climbed 0.8% after Israel and Hezabollah traded rocket salvos
- The dollar slipped a further 0.5% to 143.64 yen, having fallen 1.3% on Friday
US Fed chair says ‘the time has come’ to start cutting rates
The Fed's benchmark lending rate currently sits at a 23-year high of between 5.25 and 5.50 percent, cooling demand in...
- "The direction of travel is clear, and the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks," Fed chair Powell said
- After holding its key lending rate at a two-decade high for more than a year, Powell's remarks suggest the US central bank is now all but certain to start cutting rates
Economy
US Fed chair expected to signal support for rate cuts
The annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium in the US state of Wyoming gives Powell a global platform to enlighten financial...
- After holding its key lending rate at a two-decade high for more than a year, the US central bank now seems poised to start cutting rates in September
- While inflation has eased, the labor market has shown signs of cooling - though still remaining solid by historical standards - and economic growth has been resilient