Additional tariffs could push US economic uncertainty index to record levels, surpassing 2008 financial crisis and April 2020 pandemic high
Markets
Bullion Market
Gold prices cross $3,100 as US tariff uncertainty propel safe-haven flows
Gold prices have hit multiple record highs, gaining more than 18 per cent so far this year
Saudi Arabia’s capital markets regulator approves flynas IPO
Saudi Arabia’s flynas is reportedly going ahead with plans to sell a 30 per cent stake in IPO
Eshraq Investments
Eshraq board orders review of valuation of Goldilock Fund
Board believes Fund Manager failed to maintain consistency in methodology for AUM valuation, resulting in discrepancies in reported NAV
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Borouge plans a buyback for up to 2.5% of its outstanding shares
The Abu Dhabi petrochemical company also seeks shareholders’ approval for final 2024 dividends of AED0.794 fils per share
crude oil price
Oil price up 1% as US vows to continue attacking Houthis
Oil prices rose slightly last week, snapping a three-week losing streak fed by concern over a global economic slowdown driven by escalating trade tension between the US and other nations
Kuwait
Kuwait’s anticipated liquidity law expected to boost DCM and Sukuk growth
Kuwait’s dollar issuers are the third-largest in the GCC; dollar issuance surged to $13.6 bn in 2024 and DCM issuance to $38.5bn (all currencies)
dividend payout
UAE among top 17 countries setting new dividend records in 2024
UAE-listed stocks continue to attract investors through their combination of stability and strong returns
Capital Markets
‘Golden era’ for GCC capital markets as global investors cash in on $2.3 trillion powerhouse
HSBC C-suite and regional exchange leaders reveal market transformation strategy in exclusive Arabian Business interviews
DP World
DP World shatters all-time revenue record at $20bn in 2024
Revenue up 9.7%; Adjusted EBITDA rise 6.7% to $5.5bn; Profit dips slightly to $1.48bn on higher finance costs
UAE, other MENA stock markets poised for major uptick fuelled by Western capital flows amid regional economic boom
The UAE’s banking sector, comprising 40% of its stock market, offers a buffer against tariff volatility, experts say
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
Al Ramz appointed as liquidity provider to ADNOC Gas and Fertiglobe
Following regulatory approvals, it commenced independent trading of ADNOC Gas shares on 12 March, and Fertiglobe shares from 13 March
economic diversification
Middle East trading volumes surge as regional fintech and market access expands
For companies offering trading in multiple types of assets, 2024 brought more opportunities as new companies listed on regional stock exchanges
Donald Trump
US stocks plunge as Trump’s tariff policies stoke recession fears
Investors are now focused on Wednesday’s inflation report for further clues about the health of the economy
Gold
UAE gold prices: Is it the right time to invest? Experts weigh in
Should UAE investors buy gold amid record prices and market fluctuations? Here’s what experts told Arabian Business
carbon emission
Tabreed raises $700mn in oversubscribed green sukuk debut
The new sukuk will be listed and traded on the London Stock Exchange’s international securities market
