{
}
Arab stock markets showed positive performance in January, with a composite index increase of 0.97%, driven by strong corporate earnings and supportive monetary policies. The Bourse de Casablanca led gains at 9.98%, while the Tunisian market faced a significant decline of 71.7%. Despite mixed trading values, investor sentiment improved, reflecting a broader global market rebound.
The GCC real estate sector experienced a remarkable surge in 2024, with transactions exceeding $383 billion, marking a 25% annual increase. Dubai dominated the market, accounting for 54% of transactions, while Saudi Arabia followed with $75.7 billion. Population growth, particularly among expatriates, is driving demand, with urban populations expected to rise significantly by 2030.
MENA recorded 701 M&A deals in 2024, a 3% increase from the previous year, with a total value of $92.3 billion, up 7%. The GCC region led with 580 deals worth $90 billion, driven by cross-border transactions, particularly in technology and consumer products sectors. Notable deals included Truist Insurance's $12.4 billion acquisition and Saudi Aramco's $8.9 billion stake in Rabigh Refining.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. has upgraded Kuwait to developed market status, set to take effect on March 31, 2025, as it exits the Emerging Markets Bond Index. This change aligns with the country's new debt law, allowing for $65 billion in bond issuance over 50 years. Kuwait anticipates a budget deficit of $20.4 billion for the fiscal year 2025-2026, influenced by lower oil revenues, while the reclassification is expected to impact global financial trends and foreign investment opportunities.
Stefan Pierer, Mark Mateschitz, and Raiffeisen Oberösterreich have finalized their acquisition of a 50.1% majority stake in firefighting equipment supplier Rosenbauer, following the necessary approvals, including from Kuwait authorities. The takeover will be executed through a capital increase, despite only moderate interest in the mandatory offer from the free float.
HSBC has agreed to sell its retail banking operations in Bahrain to Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, transferring around 76,000 customer accounts, loans, and deposits. This move is part of HSBC's broader strategy to restructure and reduce its global presence, particularly in low-return consumer banking sectors.
Kuwait aims for a 2.6% economic growth in 2025, driven by financial reforms, including a new corporate tax system and the Public Debt Law. The strategy under Vision 2035 focuses on diversifying income, enhancing public spending efficiency, and increasing financial transparency.The new budget allocates funds for over 90 development projects, emphasizing public-private partnerships and major infrastructure investments like the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port and the new T2 airport terminal. With public debt at 3% of GDP, Kuwait maintains a cautious strategy, ensuring sustainable financing while leveraging its strong credit rating to access capital markets effectively.
UBS has raised its price target for Starbucks stock to $105 while maintaining a Neutral rating, following strong first-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations. Despite a projected decline in earnings per share due to restructuring costs, the company anticipates positive sales growth in the second half of the fiscal year, supported by its "Back to Starbucks" initiatives. Meanwhile, analysts from Stifel and Deutsche Bank have also expressed optimism about the stock, highlighting improvements in customer perceptions and potential growth opportunities in China.
UBS analyst Dennis Geiger raised Starbucks' price target from $98 to $105 while maintaining a Neutral rating, following stronger-than-expected quarterly results. Despite a projected decline in EPS due to restructuring costs, year-on-year trends are expected to improve, with a forecast of $2.94 EPS for fiscal year 2025. The company continues to show solid financial health, though it trades at a high P/E ratio of 30.12, prompting caution among investors regarding entry points.
The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is set to expand in 2025, with over 20 countries expressing interest in joining, driven by a desire for de-dollarization and a shift in global economic dynamics. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on nations supporting a BRICS currency, emphasizing the need to maintain the dominance of the U.S. dollar. The bloc aims to integrate nations that align with its vision, reflecting its growing influence in international affairs.
KWT
Country
The information provided herein is generated by experimental artificial intelligence and is for informational purposes only.
arab stock markets rise as global indices recover in january
Euro
United States Dollar
Chinese Yuan
Saudi Riyal
Japanese Yen
ARE
BHR
TUN
LBN
SAU
JOR
QAT
IRQ
EGY
PSE
MAR
KWT
Show more
05:20 28.02.2025
gcc real estate transactions exceed 383 billion in 2024 driving growth
United Arab Emirates Dirham
United States Dollar
Qatari Riyal
Saudi Riyal
Knight Frank LLP
ARE
QAT
OMN
KWT
SAU
Abdulla Al Saleh
Show more
11:14 26.02.2025
mena merger and acquisition activity rises to 701 deals in 2024
United States Dollar
Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.
ARE
USA
BHR
SAU
QAT
EGY
MAR
KWT
Brad Watson
Anil Menon
Show more
10:55 26.02.2025
jpmorgan upgrades kuwait to developed market amid significant debt plan
07:20 24.02.2025
investment group acquires majority stake in firefighting equipment supplier rosenbauer
16:17 20.02.2025
hsbc sells bahrain retail banking unit to bank of bahrain and kuwait
18:29 18.02.2025
kuwait aims for 2.6 percent economic growth through reforms and investments
14:58 10.02.2025
ubs raises starbucks stock target to 105 amid strong earnings momentum
United States Dollar
Starbucks Corp
Deutsche Bank RV Global PP
USA
KWT
CHN
Joe Biden
Dennis Geiger
Show more
10:11 29.01.2025
ubs raises starbucks price target to 105 maintains neutral rating
United States Dollar
Starbucks Corp
Deutsche Bank RV Global PP
USA
KWT
CHN
Joe Biden
Dennis Geiger
Show more
10:07 29.01.2025
brics bloc attracts global interest as 23 countries seek membership expansion
United States Dollar
Apple Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
LAO
ZWE
SEN
AZE
SSD
PAK
GNQ
SYR
NIC
MAR
VEN
TCD
PSE
BHR
MMR
BFA
BGD
KHM
KWT
HND
COL
LKA
COG
Yury Ushakov
Ted Cruz
Vladimir Putin
Donald Trump
Show more
16:40 13.01.2025
Trending
Subcategory
Corporate News
Industry Trends
Central Banks and Digital Currencies
Cryptocurrency Trends
Fintech Startups
Industry Mergers & Acquisitions
Startups & Entrepreneurship
AI Innovations
Emerging Startups
Funding Rounds & Investments
Countries:
Companies:
Tencent Music Entertainment Group
Sony Music Entertainment COMPANY
Alphabet Inc.
Microsoft Corporation Corp.
Oracle Corporation
Softbank Group Corp.
Currencies:
People: