• Non-Jordanian investors own 47% of ASE market value as of February 2024

    AMMAN, JORDAN – Data released by the Amman Stock Exchange reveals that non-Jordanian investors bought shares worth US$12.5 million (JD8.9 million) in February 2024, accounting for 8.7 percent of the month's total trading volume. Conversely, these investors offloaded shares valued at US$44.7 million (31.7 million dinars) during the same timeframe....
  • Most markets rise but traders fret interest rate hikes, Russia situation

    The more positive environment came as concerns over Russia subsided following an aborted uprising, though developments in the nuclear-armed country are being closely followed. Sentiment was also boosted by comments from Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who said the government would roll out fresh measures to kickstart the nation's struggling economy...
  • Iraq’s finance and business center to be a hub for trading, selling

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ - The Finance and Business Center in Iraq is set to become a hub for trading and selling both governmental and private securities, according to the Prime Minister's financial advisor Mudhar Muhammad Salih. In an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Salih emphasized the center's role in...
  • QSE unveils new trading system

    It is expected to propel Qatar as an investment hub.
  • Combined profit of capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia falls

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA -  The combined profit of capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia dropped 19 percent to US$306 million (SAR 1.15 billion) in Q1 2023, from US$381 million (SAR 1.43 billion) in the same period last year, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) said in a recent report. Revenues fell...
  • More than dozen private joint-stock companies list in UAE in 2022

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The number of private joint-stock companies which listed in the UAE's capital markets during 2022 went up to 13, with a total capital of US$2.24 billion, according to the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). In a recent report, the SCA said that the companies are divided into...
  • Stock markets rise globally on cooling US inflation

    Stock markets jumped after data showed US inflation slowed further in May, raising hopes the Federal Reserve will pause its interest rate-hike campaign. Wall Street indices advanced at the open while European markets climbed after official figures showed US consumer prices rose by 4.0 percent year-on-year in May, compared to...
  • UAE and South Korea agree to support SMEs, entrepreneurship

    Dubai, UAE-- The UAE and South Korea are aiming to foster cooperation to promote entrepreneurship and support growth of small and medium enterprises in the two countries' markets. In this connection, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a bilateral meeting with Lee Young, Minister of SMEs and...
  • Most markets rise on hopes for US Federal Reserve rate pause

    Expectations the Fed will stand pat next week -- for the first time since starting its hiking cycle last year -- pushed equities higher for most of the month, helped by the end of the US debt ceiling standoff. Confidence was dealt a blow this week by the Bank of...
  • Stock markets give out mixed signals as traders await US debt ceiling vote

    Stock markets wobbled as a deal to hike the US debt ceiling and avoid a painful default goes to a vote in Congress this week. President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy hammered out an agreement that saw both sides give ground, a week before a June 5 deadline.
  • DFM launches futures contract on General Index

    Dubai, UAE - The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) on Monday announced the offering of futures contracts on its General Index (DFMGI), which includes the most liquid and largest companies listed on the DFM. The listing and trading of DFMGI futures commenced on Monday. Trading futures contracts on the DFMGI offers...
  • SCCI discusses trade with Guatemalan, Indonesian delegations

    SHARJAH, UAE -   The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has discussed strengthening trade and economic ties with diplomatic delegations from Guatemala and Indonesia. The discussions focused on amplifying bilateral relations in industry, agriculture, food security, livestock and broadening trade exchanges and organizing events to promote local products and...
  • Stock markets advance on US debt, elections

    Major stock markets advanced after President Joe Biden said he was "optimistic" about finding an agreement on averting a first-ever US default. Stock markets in Europe and Asia kicked the week off with gains amid growing hopes the Democrats and Republicans will reach a deal to avert a US government...
  • UAE’s GDP expected to have grown by 7.6% in 2022: CBUAE

    Abu Dhabi, UAE-- The UAE's gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown 7.6 percent in 2022, shored up by economic activity across all sectors. The conclusion was made in an annual report released by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), which said that the UAE's...
  • Bahrain free of India-made ‘contaminated’ cough syrup

    Manama, Bahrain - Bahrain has taken steps to ban from its markets the contaminated cough syrups made in India in response to recent reports of the death of many children who consumed them in some countries.   The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) on Sunday confirmed that the Kingdom's markets are...
  • Global stocks rise despite data showing US economic  slowdown

    Wall Street stocks pushed higher despite data that showed US economic growth is slowing, which raised fresh questions about interest rates hikes. The dollar rose against the euro and yen after the data showed US gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 1.1 percent in the January to...
  • Dollar could gain as markets anticipate a Fed rate hike: expert

    Dubai, UAE - The US dollar could record some gains as markets increasingly see a higher probability that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates one more time at their next meeting, Wael Makarem, Senior Market Strategist, MENA at Exness said on Monday.  The constant surprises in US economic data...
  • Iraqi government plans to reduce economy’s dependence on oil

    BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting focused on discussing the provisions of the federal budget bill submitted to the Parliament. The meeting was attended by Parliament Deputy Speaker Muhsin Al-Mandalawi, Parliament Deputy Speaker Shakhwan Abdullah and MPs of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, as well...
  • Stocks jump, dollar falls as Federal Reserve seen curbing rate rises soon

    Equity markets rose, with Paris hitting a record-high, as investors reacted positively to easing inflation, recession concerns and some strong earnings. The dollar hit a year-low against the euro after official data this week showed high inflation slowing in the United States, fanning hopes the Federal Reserve would soon stop...
  • Asian markets mixed as US jobs data hints Fed interest rate hike

    The closely watched non-farm payrolls reading on Friday followed a string of figures last week showing the world's top economy was slowing down and dented investor sentiment. Focus is now on the release of inflation figures later this week, which will play a crucial role in the Fed's decision-making when...
  • Saudi Arabia’s TASI ends the week higher while UAE markets fall

    Several factors contributed to the fall in UAE markets, including a decline in oil prices, worries about multinational banks' health.
  • OECD raises global growth forecast as inflation eases, recovery ‘fragile’

    The OECD raised its global economic growth forecast as inflation eases and China emerges from Covid restrictions, but warned of vulnerabilities as seen in the US bank sector turmoil. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said it now expects the global economy to grow by 2.6 percent this year.
  • SVB failure unnerves USDC, other cryptocurrencies

    The FDIC on Friday took over SVB, a major lender to the tech world, in the second-largest bank failure in US history. The bank is expected to reopen on Monday under a new name.
  • Global stocks mixed as markets await US jobs data

    Wall Street rose but European stock markets fell as investors brace for US jobs data that they fear could prompt the Federal Reserve to ramp up interest rate hikes. Markets were rocked this week by Fed chief Jerome Powell's warning that interest rates could rise should the economy show no...
  • US, European stocks dip as traders mull US rates outlook

    US and European stocks dipped as dealers fretted that the Federal Reserve would push interest rates higher than expected and for longer as it battles high inflation. The euro moved up against the dollar as strong inflation data in France and Spain sparked concerns that the European Central Bank will...
  • London FTSE hits new record peak at open

    LONDON, UK - The London stock market jumped to a record peak Tuesday in a positive open across Europe, after hefty gains on Wall Street with all eyes on US inflation. The British capital's benchmark FTSE 100 index of top companies reached as high as 7,986.20 points. "The tailwinds from another...
  • Stocks steady, dollar higher on US rate-hike expectations

    Stock markets largely steadied and the dollar rose with traders forecasting US interest rates to keep climbing following last week's blockbuster American jobs report. Oil prices extended gains after Iraqi Kurdistan suspended crude exports through Turkey as a precaution after a deadly earthquake rocked its northern neighbor and Syria.
  • Markets take a hit as US jobs fan rate worries

    optimism was dealt a heavy blow Friday by data showing more than half a million new jobs were created in the United States last month, nearly double the December figure and far more than the 188,000 expected. Government figures also showed unemployment fell to the lowest level since 1969. The...
  • Saudi Arabia, UAE set to lead IPO activities in GCC

    Around 27-39 companies in the Gulf region are expected to come out with IPOs in the first few months of this year with the Kingdom and UAE leading from the front, reports suggest.
  • Saudi Arabia, Italy sign MoU to set up reinsurance framework

    Rome, Italy-- The Saudi Export-Import Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) which aims to empower Saudi exporters and international investors and enhance the Saudi-Italian trade exchange.The MoU was signed by EXIM Bank CEO Eng. Saad bin Abdul Aziz Alkhalb and SACE CEO...
  • Markets rise on better-than-expected US growth

    Stock markets rose as US data showed the country grew at a slower pace in 2022 but finished the year on a stronger note. Shares in Paris, Frankfurt and London were higher in mid-afternoon trading. US gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 2.9 percent in the fourth...
  • DGCX reports 16% growth in total volume of trades in 2022

    DUBAI, UAE - Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) Thursday announced its full-year market statistics for 2022, reporting 8.239 million contracts with a  value of US$162.01 billion during the year, representing growth of 16 percent and 8.24 percent from 2021, respectively. The DGCX is the largest and most diversified derivatives...
  • Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030

    The revenue of Saudi cinemas increased by 9.47% to approximately US$240 million until December 25, 2022, compared to 2021's revenue of US$232 million, a report points out.
  • Duty-free markets at air, sea and land ports set to create jobs, help industries, benefit Saudi economy

    The move aims at supporting Kingdom's infrastructure development, boosting logistics and providing unique business environment in transport sector, air traffic and ports.
  • Gulf markets, except Kuwait and Qatar, end higher

    The Saudi market's general index, TASI, rose 1.19%, Dubai Financial Market 0.47%, Abu Dhabi Stock Market Vadax 15 index 0.133% by the end of the trading session.
  • Stocks mostly drop as traders track China, US rates

    Major stock markets mostly dropped as warnings that US interest rates would continue to rise and remain elevated offset growing optimism over China's economic reopening after Covid lockdowns. Equities enjoyed a strong start to the new year thanks largely to Beijing's decision to throw off the shackles of its strict...
  • Market downturn impacts growth equity valuation

    For strong growth companies, the choice has narrowed down to growth funding vs private equity and both have different criteria. Very often, companies prefer growth-oriented investors for higher valuations, whereas many PE investors remain by nature more cautious, he adds.
  • GCC stocks end the week in decline after a few days of gain

    Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange finished 2022 with a gain of almost 20 percent, making it the highest performer among GCC indices. In 2023, Saudi and UAE ended the weekly exchange down or stable.
  • Stocks mostly rise ahead of key US jobs data

    Stock markets mostly advanced as traders awaited key US jobs data and after news of falling inflation in the eurozone. Global equities have enjoyed a largely solid start to the new year, though Wall Street slid on expectations that the Federal Reserve is in no rush to stop hiking US...
  • Export Bahrain, BCCI to facilitate global market access for local businesses

    Manama, Bahrain--- Export Bahrain and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry have signed an MoU to support Bahrain-based businesses in gaining access to global markets through Export Bahrain solutions. The two entities will facilitate the business community in Bahrain to attract strategic investment partnerships and enhance the competitive work environment...
  • Gulf markets fluctuate due to geopolitics, oil prices

    Saudi market's primary index fell for the eighth week in a row. Abu Dhabi index fell for four of five days. Dubai's main index fell three days out of five this week.
  • Asian markets join Wall Street advance as recession worries subdue

    With dust settling after the Bank of Japan's surprise shift from ultra-loose monetary policy, investors embarked on a mini Santa rally ahead of the Christmas break, while the yen stabilised following its biggest jump in 24 years.
  • Most Middle Eastern nations lack crypto regulations

    The adoption of digital currencies can help open new business segments as the use of these assets increases with time, Daniel Takieddine, CEO of MENA BDSwiss, tells TRENDS.
  • Stocks sink globally as central banks hike rates, data fan recession fears

    Global stocks sank as central banks hiked interest rates again and signaled they needed to go higher to tame inflation. Meanwhile, downbeat economic data out of China and the United States fanned recession fears. Both the Bank of England and the European Central Bank mirrored the Fed's half-point hike on...
  • Boursa Kuwait, Tadawul sign pact

    The deal is expected to boost capital markets in the region.
  • Bank of China lists $300m bonds

    The bank's Fitch A ratings bonds were listed on Nasdaq Dubai.
  • The rise of the new Arab World

    Cities across Europe and North America, and their infrastructure, service and hospitality are pale in comparison to the Arab region – particularly Gulf countries, writes Julien Hawari.
  • SCCI, Moscow Chamber discuss trade, cooperation

    SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) discussed business and investment opportunities in the UAE and Russia with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting that took place at Expo Center Sharjah (ECS) brought together Abdallah Sultan Al-Owais, SCCI's Chairman, and Vladimir Platonov, Chairman...
  • UAE stocks end higher even as Saudi markets decline

    Saudi equities rose on November 13 but the index fell during the rest of the trading days. UAE stocks started on a downward trend but finished the week higher.
  • World stocks rally but oil prices tumble

    Global main stock markets rallied as investors fished for bargain shares and shrugged off losses elsewhere, but oil prices fell as concerns over the global economy persist. London stocks were lifted by official data showing UK retail sales rose 0.6 percent in October, rebounding from a 1.5-percent slump in September....
  • UAE stocks rise while Saudi market declines

    DFM index jumped 0.6 percent, Abu Dhabi index rose 0.1 percent, Saudi Stock Exchange varied as index ended its trading with a fall of 1.7 percent, losing 195.48 points.