Economy 151
Prosus increases its offer for Just Eat, with a new twist
The latest offer makes more sense and increases the chance of success.
Takeover bids intensify for Just Eat food app
Prosus increases its cash offer for the food delivery firm.
Former Tipperary garda station sold at public auction
HUGE INTEREST IN NEW INN BUILDING
Pace of housing starts edges up in November on strength in B.C., Alberta
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the annual pace of housing starts edged higher last month compared with October, although there were declines in five provinces.
Wealth of Canadians divided along racial lines, says report on income inequality
One interesting finding was that racialized men have a higher employment rate than non-racialized men
European companies minimise risks from US-China trade war
BEIJING, Dec 9 — European companies in China have been able to minimise the effect from the tariff war between Beijing and Washington, although some are considering relocating their businesses, the EU Chamber of Commerce said today. The world’s two biggest economies have been entangled in a...
IHH Healthcare receives shareholders’ approval to acquire Prince Court
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — IHH Healthcare Bhd hopes to complete its proposed acquisition of the Prince Court Medical Centre in the first quarter of 2020, following the strong approval obtained from its shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting today. In a statement, the healthcare provider said...
S&P 500, Nasdaq edge higher; tariff deadline in focus
NEW YORK, Dec 9 — The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes edged higher today, with investors keeping a close watch on headlines around US-China trade as planned tariffs on Chinese imports kick in on December 15. Beijing and Washington are negotiating a first phase trade deal aimed at de-escalating...
Bursa Malaysia ends lower on subdued sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Bursa Malaysia finished lower today on subdued sentiments as weak export data from China, the country’s biggest trading partner, signalled weakness for the broader Asian economy. At 5pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 5.73 points to 1,562.71 from Friday’s...
Entrepreneur Development Ministry, MTDC collaborate to prepare SMEs for digital technology
BANGI, Dec 9 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development (MED) has forged a cooperation with Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) to prepare the small and medium enterprise (SME) to shift to utilise digital technology in their business. MED Secretary-General Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Md...
Prosus hikes hostile bid for Just Eat
LONDON, Dec 9 — Prosus, Europe’s largest consumer-tech company, said today it has hiked its hostile takeover bid for Just Eat, in an attempt to derail the latter’s merger deal with peer Takeaway.com. Prosus announced in a statement that it has lifted its bid to £74 pence per share or about...
Stronger US dollar curbs demand for ringgit
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar today as the positive sentiment for the greenback curbed interest for local currency. As at 6pm, the local note was quoted at 4.1590/1630 against the US dollar compared with Friday’s close of 4.1580/1610. A dealer said the...
Dollar holds ground as central bank meetings loom, pound jumps
LONDON, Dec 9 — The dollar held its ground today thanks to last week’s stronger-than-expected jobs data, although worries about US/China trade talks kept gains in check, while Britain’s pound jumped on the latest polls ahead of this week’s election. Sterling hit a fresh 2-1/2 year high...
European stocks stutter as attention turns to trade deadline, central bank meetings
LONDON, Dec 9 — European stocks fell today as worries about a Chinese economic slowdown and the US-China trade war outweighed Friday’s strong US jobs data, in a quiet start to trading before several big events later in the week. The Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday and new European Central...
Gas Malaysia: Average natural gas selling price to fall for Jan 1-Dec 31, 2020
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — The average natural gas selling price applicable for Gas Malaysia Energy and Services Sdn Bhd from January 1 to December 31, 2020 will be set at RM33.65/MMBtu, lower by 2.91 per cent or RM1.01/MMBtu, compared to the current price for the distribution segment. The selling...
Chong: Sugar supply liberalisation will benefit consumers in the long run
KUCHING, Dec 9 — The liberalisation policy on sugar supply in Sarawak will not result in an immediate effect to the price of the commodity but will definitely benefit consumers in the long term, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen said today. He said the policy,...
Global stocks whacked as China export decline highlights trade war damage
LONDON, Dec 9 — Global equity markets were in a sombre mood today after Chinese export data highlighted the economic damage from the 17-month long trade war and re-focused attention on a crucial December 15 tariff deadline. The only big winner of the day was the British pound which surged to...
Japan’s 2nd-Largest Utility Trials Blockchain for Renewable Energy Credits
The second-largest power utility in Japan is extending its trial of a blockchain-powered system for transacting renewable energy credits.
China’s Central Bank to Lead Real-World Pilot of Digital Yuan: Report
A limited debut of China’s long-touted central bank digital currency is set to begin in the city of Shenzhen by the end of 2019, according to a media report.
A Reality Check: Blockchain and DLT in International Trade
New study jointly conducted by international trade organizations focuses on possibilities and challenges of blockchain tech implementation to the industry.
A Reality Check: Blockchain and DLT in International Trade
New study jointly conducted by international trade organizations focuses on possibilities and challenges of blockchain tech implementation to the industry.
Cryptocurrency Exchange OKEx to Launch Options Trading This Month
Malta-based cryptocurrency exchange OKEx announced that it will launch crypto options trading on Dec. 27.
Lithuanian Central Bank Announces Blockchain Collector Coin
The Bank of Lithuania announced that it will release its first digital, blockchain-based collector coin in the spring of next year.
Bitcoin Price Fills $7.5K Futures ‘Gap’ as Trader Weighs $8K Potential
Mixed performance over the weekend nonetheless failed to inject volatility into Bitcoin markets, with attention now focusing on preserving support at $7,400.
Bakkt Launches 1st Regulated BTC Options as CEO Enters US Senate
The Intercontinental Exchange’s digital asset platform Bakkt launched the first regulated Bitcoin options and cash-settled futures.
South Korea: Gov’t Seeks to Tax Crypto Transactions as Capital Gains
South Korea's government plans to tax capital gains returns on cryptocurrency transactions.
The Fed's recent repo crisis was the fault of big banks and hedge funds, new study finds
September's repo-rate spike was driven by big banks and hedge funds, the Bank for International Settlements wrote in a report released Sunday. T...
The US has become one of the lowest-taxed countries in the world. Here are the 6 other nations with the smallest tax burdens.
The US tax burden slid to among the lowest for major global economies in 2018. It now sits above just Ireland, Chile, and Mexico, according ...
The US raked in a record $7.2 billion in tariffs in October, new data shows
The US government collected a record amount in tariffs in October as a trade dispute between the Trump administration and China escalated. Reven...
Virgin Galactic leaps after Morgan Stanley says the company's stock can jump 203% over the next year
Virgin Galactic stock surged as much as 21% on Monday after Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on the company with a buy-equivalent rating The fi...
A cancer-drug developer's stock just surged more than 100% after Merck agreed to a multi-billion-dollar takeover
Cancer-drug developer ArQule skyrocketed as much as 102% in early Monday trading after Merck agreed to acquire the company in a $2.7 billion tak...
Wealth of Canadians divided along racial lines, says report on income inequality
One interesting finding was that racialized men have a higher employment rate than non-racialized men
Global financial watchdogs take aim at Big Tech's data dominance
Could be forced to share data on financial services customers with banks.
Trade war goes digital: countries eye tariffs on Internet economy
Potentially forcing people to pay duties on software and movie downloads.
GBP positioning higher ahead of election – ING
According to CFTC data for the week between 27 Nov-3 Dec, speculative investors have trimmed some GBP shorts with latest polls keep cementing the pros
Russia: CBR prepping to cut another 50bps – TDS
Analysts at TD Securities are expecting the CBR to cut the Key Rate by another 50bps to 6.00% on Friday. Key Quotes “The consensus is less dovish and
USD/CAD price analysis: Greenback trades sideways against Canadian dollar, near 1.3250 level
The loonie on the daily chart is consolidating last Friday’s surge. This Monday, the spot is trading quietly between the 100 and 200-day simple moving averages
EUR/USD price analysis: Euro erases most of the intraday gains, challenges the 1.1059 support
The common currency, on the daily chart, is trading below its 200-day simple moving average (DMA).
USD/CAD falls toward 1.3220 as WTI rebounds to $59
After spending the majority of the day moving sideways near 1.3250, the USD/CAD pair lost its traction during the American trading hours and slumped t
AUD/USD struggles to recover despite modest USD weakness, trades around 0.6820
The AUD/USD pair snapped its four-week losing streak last week but seems to be having a tough time pushing higher on Monday. After moving sideways bel
Gold clings to modest gains above $1460 level, lacks follow-through
Gold edged higher on the first day of a new trading week and recovered a part of Friday's post-NFP slide to multi-day lows. The latest US monthly jobs
AUD/USD price analysis: Australian dollar stuck near daily highs, challenging 0.6836 resistance
After the initial bullish breakout at the start of December, AUD/USD is remaining in range near the 200-day simple moving average (DMA).
GBP/USD: A close above 1.3187 is pivotal – Commerzbank
In the view of Karen Jones, an analyst at Commerzbank, the GBP/USD pair is looking northwards on the UK election, with the bias to be confirmed on a c
India: Analysing the fiscal impact of income tax cuts – Standard Chartered Bank
Economist at Standard Chartered Bank offered their take on the fiscal impact of an expected personal income tax cut – aimed at boosting consumption de
FOMC to leave the target range unchanged – NBF
According to analysts at National Bank Financial, the highlight of the week will be the central bank’s monetary policy meeting in the US. Key Quotes “
NZD momentum finally reflected in positioning – ING
As per the CFTC data for the week between 27 Nov-3 Dec, the New Zealand dollar net speculative positions dropped by 13% of open interest, and is now a
USD/JPY drops to fresh five-day lows below 108.50
After losing its momentum ahead of the 110 handle at the start of the previous week, the USD/JPY pair reversed its course and closed with a weekly los
AUD/USD slides to 0.6820 horizontal support
The AUD/USD pair refreshed daily lows during the early European session on Monday and is currently placed near the 0.6820 horizontal support. The pair
Fed unlikely to move policy this week – Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank analysts suggest that the US Fed is not expected to move policy by anyone this week and is likely to maintain status quo. Key Quotes “Th
USD/JPY Technical Analysis: Turns vulnerable below 50-DMA, ascending trend-line confluence support
The USD/JPY pair extended last week's pullback from six-month tops and remained depressed for the third consecutive session on Monday, also marking it
US: CPI likely to post +0.2% mom increase – Deutsche Bank
According to Deutsche Bank analysts, the main highlight for the US markets is CPI release on Wednesday and the retail sales figures on Friday. Key Quo
USD/CAD Technical Analysis: Bulls gearing up for a move towards reclaiming 1.3300 handle
The USD/CAD pair extended its sideways consolidative price action through the mid-European session on Monday and remains confined in a narrow trading
GBP/USD price analysis: Cable hanging near seven-month highs below 1.3180 key resistance
The market is hanging near seven-month highs, flirting with levels last seen in early May 2019. In the New York session, the market is trading flat just above
ECB to leave the interest rates unchanged this week – Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank analysts suggest that the market is expecting no changes in interest rates from the ECB this week but the meeting will be closely watche
EUR/USD keeps highs as Eurozone Dec Sentix Investor Confidence beats estimates with +0.7
Investor confidence in the Eurozone improved sharply in December amid looming US-China trade tensions and German recession, the latest data published
Gold price analysis: XAU/USD under pressure near four-month lows, trades below $1465/oz
Gold remains under bearish pressure near four-month lows below the 1465 resistance and the 50/100 SMAs.
BoC to cut rates just once in 2020 – TDS
Analysts at TD Securities have changed their call and are now looking for the Bank of Canada to cut rates just once in April 2020. Key Quotes “While t
Gold Technical Analysis: The set-up seems tilted in favour of bearish traders
Gold regains some positive traction amid persistent trade uncertainty. The upside is likely to remain capped ahead of the FOMC policy update. Gold rem
Fed to reiterate its comfort with policy as it is, with little change in the projections – ABN AMRO
Previewing this week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, "the Fed is widely expected to keep policy rates on hold at the conclusion of the
EUR/USD Technical Analysis: Flirting with daily tops, around 1.1075 region
The EUR/USD pair built on its intraday positive move and is currently placed near the top end of its daily trading range, around the 1.1075 region. Th
Canada: Building Permits declined by 1.5% in October vs. +2.9% expected
The total value of Building Permits issued by Canadian municipalities declined by 1.5% to $8.3 billion on a monthly basis in October and fell short of
Wall Street starts new week on back foot
Wall Street's main indexes started the first day of the week in with modest losses as investors refrain from making large bets while waiting for fresh
USD/JPY: Bears losing their grip as market attempts to bottom
USD/JPY is trading on the bid in the US session following a rise from 108.42 the low to a high of 108.66. The US dollar is holding up despite a strong
USD/CAD consolidates in a range, around mid-1.3200s
The USD/CAD pair extended its sideways consolidative price action through the early European session on Monday and remained confined in a narrow tradi
USD/CHF starts new week quiet around 0.9900
Despite a 30-pip rebound fueled by the broad-based USD strength on Friday, the USD/CHF pair erased 100 pips for the week and is now staying flat on th
GBP/USD retreats modestly from eight month highs to the 1.3130 area
The GBP/USD dropped from 1.3180 -the highest level since early April- to 1.3135 following the release of a new poll ahead of the general election in t
Canada: Firm housing starts data for November – RBC
Josh Nye, senior economist at the Royal Bank of Canada, notes that the Canadian housing starts were little changed at 201,000 in November with six-mon
NZD/USD consolidates last week's gains, trades above mid-0.65s
The NZD/USD pair registered one of its largest weekly percentage gains last week as it added more than 140 pips to close at 0.6563. However, with inve
Fitch: Smoother Italy-EU relations do not remove fiscal uncertainty
Political divisions and differing policy views within Italy's governing coalition are likely to constrain meaningful tax & structural reforms, Fitch R
GBP/USD eases from 8-month tops, still comfortable above mid-1.3100s
The GBP/USD pair spiked to fresh eight-month tops during the early part of Monday's trading session, albeit quickly retreated around 20 pips thereafte
WTI drops 1% towards $ 58.50 amid trade tensions, weak China exports
WTI (oil futures on NYMEX) is down over $1 from three-month highs of 59.85 reached last Friday after the OPEC and its allies (OPEC+) agreed to deepen
WTI continues to erase OPEC-inspired gains, inches closer to $58
Crude oil prices gained traction on Friday after the OPEC and its allies (OPEC+) announced decision to deepen supply curbs by 500,000 barrels per day
US Agriculture Sec. Perdue: Do not believe tariffs will be implemented on December 15th
United States Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue crossed the wires in the last minutes saying that he does not believe the tariff hike will go into ef
European companies minimise risks from US-China trade war
European companies in China have been able to minimise the effect from the tariff war between Beijing and Washington, although some are considering relocating their businesses, the EU Chamber of Commerce said Monday.
Portugal opens 300 supermarkets in 2 years
Almost 300 supermarkets opened their doors to the public in the space of just two years.
IIT-Madras placements: 184 firms offer 831 jobs
The top recruiters during 2019-20 include Micron Technology India Operations with 31 offers ; Intel (20); Microsoft India (19) and Tata Consultancy Services (16).
‘With ₹32,000-crore, MP Lodha is India’s richest developer’
Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru account for three-fourths of the country’s richest players in real estate sector
No threat of job losses in auto sector: Minister tells RS
There is no threat of job losses in the automobile sector and no reason for worry, Minister of State for Heavy Industries Arjun Ram Meghwal said in Rajya Sabha on Monday. “The automobile sector is pre
Xiaomi takes on Apple in Japan with Mi Note 10 featuring 108-megapixel camera
The Mi Note 10 will cost approximately $486
Wealth of Canadians divided along racial lines, says report on income inequality
One interesting finding was that racialized men have a higher employment rate than non-racialized men
'Buyer's Price' program to continue until June 2020
Programming offering subsidized homes for first-time buyers will continue through first half of 2020, Finance Ministry says.
East Kilbride Clintons store saved from pre-Christmas collapse
The chain has bought itself out of administration saving 2500 jobs nationwide.
Asian stocks pulled higher by Wall Street jobs rally but China caution prevails
Asian stocks edged up on Monday, catching some of Wall Street's momentum after surprisingly strong U.S. jobs data although regional gains were ...
Oil prices stumble on weak China exports hangover
Oil prices fell on Monday after data showing China's overall exports of goods and services shrank for a fourth straight month, sending shivers ...
Jobs of the future are clustering in a handful of US cities: Study
A new analysis of where "innovation" jobs are being created in the United States paints a stark portrait of a divided economy where the industries ...
France's Sanofi to buy Synthorx for US$2.5 billion
France's Sanofi said on Monday it had agreed to buy Synthorx in a cash deal worth around US$2.5 billion as it seeks to beef up its ...
Skechers' 'cool' value gives it room to run like Nike: Barron's
Shoemaker Skechers USA is expected to post earnings growth on pace with Nike over the next three years, giving its relatively low valuation a ...
Swedbank cuts management team in revamp after laundering probe
Swedbank said on Monday its chief risk officer was leaving as the Swedish bank revamps its structure to regain customer trust after a money ...
Tesco shares soar as investors salivate over potential sale of Asian division
Analysts believe the sale of the Thailand and Malaysia division could bank Tesco up to £7.2bn.
Oil firms roll back prices
EFFECTIVE at 6 a.m. today, major and independent oil firms will implement a price rollback of their petroleum products in slightly different amounts.
Meralco bills go up this month
ELECTRIC consumers will pay again higher electricity bills this December as the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will implement a power rate increase.
Aspire Mining signs MoU on Ovoot coking coal project in Mongolia
Aspire Mining has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sinosteel MECC to develop Mongolia’s Ovoot coking coal project.
Big investors up call for governments to take climate action
MADRID (AP) - More than 600 institutional investors managing a whopping $37 trillion in client assets called Monday for governments to step up their efforts against climate change.
German exports rise in October, defying expectations
BERLIN (AP) - German exports posted a second consecutive month-on-month increase in October, defying economists' expectations of a slight decline.
SunTrust, BB&T banks complete merger, creating Truist
The merger between Atlanta-based SunTrust and Winston-Salem, N.C.-based BB&T has been completed, creating the nation’s sixth-largest bank, serving about 10 million consumer households, officials of the combined company announced Monday.
Imported onions reach Dindigul market
Farmers begin cultivation of shallots
Saudi Arabia favours stronger ties with India
‘Energy cooperation key to the strategic partnership between the two countries’
Onion nightmare continues for consumers
Price of the commodity ranges between ₹110 and ₹170 per kg depending on the variety
Prosus Boosts Just Eat Bid To $6.5B
Naspers-owned Prosus upped its bid to $6.5 billion to acquire London's food delivery service Just Eat, putting pressure on rival buyer Takeaway.
SMBs’ Late Payments Pain Spreads Across Borders
Kenya, South Africa, Romania, the U.K. and Australia are all struggling with late invoice payments to small businesses, new data reveals.
Fed Study: Electronic Devices Used In 24 Pct. Of Consumer Payments
Among the findings of the 2018 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, produced through several of the U.S. Federal Reserve Banks, electronic payments are on the rise.
Accuity To Power GoCardless’ Recurring Payments Expansion Into US
GoCardless entered into a collaboration with Accuity to launch a seamless way for businesses to collect payments in the U.S. via an ACH-based debit offering.
Credit Unions Find Opportunity In Payments Disruption
CULedger discusses credit unions' opportunity in payments innovation by being "rail agnostic" and supporting digital identity, data exchange and value exchange.
Goldman Plans To Launch Robo Adviser Next Year
Goldman Sachs is planning to launch digital wealth management services to clients with as little as $5,000 in 2020 in the form of a robo adviser.
Travelstart takes over Jumia Travel
Weeks after it closed shops in Cameroon and Tanzania, Jumia, the largest e-commerce operator in Africa, has offloaded its travel operations to Travelstart. In the new arrangement, Jumia will still promote the travel category on its platforms but Travelstart will be responsible for the “operational side of the business.” “This partnership will ensure we remain […]
Slowdown only cyclical, India's growth potential not lost: Chief Economic Advisor
Subramanian said that there was, needless to say, a slowdown in the economy but it needs to be assessed whether it was structural or cyclical in nature. Indias GDP growth in Q1 of the current financial year, fell to a 6-year low of 5%, while Q2 slowed down further to 4.5%. The Reserve Bank of India has also lowered its GDP forecast for 2019-20 from 6.1% to 5%.
The next booster shot to revive economy may not be far away
Going by what the indicators are showing so far, third quarter doesn't hold any hopes of revival.
At $1.6 trillion a day, EM FX trading outpaces major peers
Currency trading grew at a faster pace in emerging markets than developed nations.
Govt further caps stock limit on onion retailers to 2 tons to check hoarding
Last week, govt had reduced the stock holding limit for retailers to 5 tonnes from 10 tonnes while that on wholesalers to 25 tonnes from 50 tonnes as onion prices were ruling high up to Rs 150 per kg. Retail onion prices have risen in the past two months due to short supply owing to fall in production of kharif (summer) crop after heavy rains.
Goldman raises oil forecast on Opec output cuts
The bank revised its Brent spot price forecast to $63 per barrel for 2020.
View: Saudi Aramco's $2 trillion dream isn't really about oil
Saudi officials have taken to the oil sectors investor relations style with aplomb.
10 CLSA India employees may join Jefferies: ET NOW
CLSA analysts Mahesh Nandurkar and Ashish Agrawal are among those employees who are making the switch.
Tariff hikes to double telcos' Ebitda: Crisil
In the last few weeks, Airtel, Vodafone and Jio have increased their tariff- a first since 2016.
F&O: Market to see major selloff if Nifty slips below 11,888 mark
In monthly options, maximum Put open interest was at 12,000 followed by 11,500 levels.
Recent cut in corporate tax rate was done to boost investments: CEA
"Private investment is the driver of economic growth. Steps that we are taking, be it corporate tax rate cut, be it code on wages and industrial relations, is to try and create a more favourable environment for investment," Chief Economic Adviser KV Subramanian said at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit. He said investment is required for a sustained economic growth.
YES Bank likely to reject $1.2 billion offer from Canada’s Braich
The offer from Braich and SPGP made up 60 per cent of the planned capital raising.
Pakistan, Asian Development Bank sign loan agreement worth USD 1.3 billion
On Friday, the bank said it has approved a USD 300 million policy-based loan that will help Pakistan to address financial sustainability, governance, and energy infrastructure policy constraints in country's energy sector.
Pertamina offers 20 percent off avtur in eastern Indonesia during holiday traffic
State-owned oil company Pertamina will temporarily slash avtur prices by 20 percent at selected airports in eastern Indonesia ahead of expected heavy traffic during Christmas and New Year.
Government nickel ore export ban to hit newly listed company
From its exports in 2018, Ifishdeco earned Rp 365 billion (US$26 million), more than double the Rp 140 billion pocketed from domestic sales.
Listed firm plans integrated property projects to weather bleak industry outlook
Bank Indonesia's policy to lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for mortgages by 5 percentage points, effective since Dec. 2, will likely improve the property sector.
Clarks announces loss of 170 jobs just weeks before Christmas
A spokeswoman confirmed 170 staff members will be made redundant and 80 of these workers are based at its Somerset headquarters in Street
German exports rise in October, defying expectations
BERLIN (AP) - German exports posted a second consecutive month-on-month increase in October, defying economists' expectations of a slight decline.
Saudi prince's ambitions hinge on triumphant Aramco sale
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Saudi Arabia is expected to set a new record for the largest stock flotation in history on Wednesday with the sale of part of Aramco, the state-owned oil company valued at $1.7 trillion.
SunTrust, BB&T banks complete merger, creating Truist
The merger between Atlanta-based SunTrust and Winston-Salem, N.C.-based BB&T has been completed, creating the nation’s sixth-largest bank, serving about 10 million consumer households,...
Stocks slip as investors weigh outlook for US-China trade
Tokyo (AP) - Stock markets weakened during European trading on Monday as investors weighed the possibility of more U.S. tariffs on China and the outlook for negotiations on the trade dispute.
Small business hiring slow, likely to remain so, reports say
NEW YORK (AP) - Two reports last week show that small business hiring still lags behind the strong job growth reported at larger companies, and that owners are unlikely to increase their staffs significantly in 2020.
Big investors up call for governments to take climate action
MADRID (AP) - More than 600 institutional investors managing a whopping $37 trillion in client assets called Monday for governments to step up their efforts against climate change.
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker has died
Paul Volcker, who as Federal Reserve chairman in the early 1980s elevated interest rates to historic highs and triggered a recession as the price of quashing double-digit inflation, has died, according to his office.
Dozens suffer losses in sham cryptocurrency scheme in Masaka
fraud
Global weapons sales up; US leads market
The global arms industry continues to grow with total sales up 4.6% last year, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released Monday.
Virgin Galactic's stock could soar 726%, Morgan Stanley says
Virgin Galactic's stock is soaring after an analyst said its space planes could one day disrupt the air travel industry, potentially raking in nearly a trillion dollars a year in sales.
3 Big Things Today, December 9, 2019
Soybeans were higher in overnight trading on U.S.-China trade optimism.
Opel CEO says brand has ‘reinvented’ itself and returned to profit...
Opel’s CEO says the German firm has “reinvented” itself under the PSA Group and is on track to achieve its target profit margin years ahead of schedule.
Almarai names Majed Nofal as CEO
Riyadh – Mubasher: The Board of Directors of Almarai Company announced the appointment of Majed Mazen Nofal as the company’s new CEO. The decision will be effective starting from the beginning of January 2020, according to a company statement to …
Leading Saudi banks to maintain strong profitability – Moody’s
Riyadh – Mubasher: The three largest banks in Saudi Arabia, namely: National Commercial Bank (NCB), Al Rajhi Bank, and Saudi British Bank (SABB), are expected to maintain strong profitability and efficient cost structures, according to a report by …
Ataa Educational profits down 5%
Riyadh – Mubasher: Ataa Educational Company reported a 5% year-on-year (YoY) decline in profits during the three-month period ending 31 October 2019. Net profits after Zakat and tax amounted to SAR 16.25 million between August and October 2019, …
Corporate appetite in MENA grows in 5 years – Arabnet Report
Mubasher: The entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has been grabbing global and regional attention, with higher investor appetite and interest in the region’s startups, according to Arabnet report. The “State of …
Swedbank rejigs management structure; Baltic banking head leaves
Mubasher: Swedbank announced on Monday that its chief risk officer will leave, in the framework of the Swedish lender’s plan to revamp its structure.
Sanofi to acquire US biotech firm Sythorx $2.5bn
Mubasher: Sanofi on Monday said it will take over US biotechnology company Synthorx in a cash deal that valued the latter at $2.5 billion.
TASI ends Monday at three-month high
Riyadh – Mubasher: The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) maintained its rising trend for the third consecutive session and ended Monday’s trading in gains, reaching its highest level since last August. The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) added 0.26% …
China’s solar PV market grows despite US tariffs - GlobalData
The global solar PV market is expected to see a 13% growth in installations
OZY Media sees "exponential growth" from MENA in entertainment, media
Mubasher: The global media pioneering company, OZY Media, said it will increase its focus on the entertainment and media industry across the MENA region.
Lebanese entrepreneurs think digitally if given space to grow – Arabnet Report
Mubasher: Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem flourished making the country among the major assets for digital innovation across the MENA region, following the implementation of Circular 331 of the Central Bank of Lebanon back in August 2014. …
Almarai to distribute SAR 0.85/shr
Riyadh – Mubasher: Almarai Company’s Board of Directors has recommended distributing cash dividends to shareholders for 2019 at SAR 0.85 per share, equivalent to 8.5% of the share’s par value. The dividends will have a total amount of SAR 850 …
Advanced Petrochemical proposes SAR 0.65/shr dividends
Riyadh – Mubasher: The board of Advanced Petrochemical Company has recommended the distribution of cash dividends to shareholders for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019 at SAR 0.65 per share, equivalent to 6.5% of the share’s par value. During a …
EBRD invests $4m in Turkish bus-ticketing service firm oBilet
Mubasher: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced an equity investment of $4 million in Turkish online bus-ticketing service provider oBilet.
SIPCHEM plans 10% share purchase as treasury shares
Riyadh – Mubasher: The board of Sahara International Petrochemical Company (SIPCHEM) has recommended purchasing up to 10% of the company’s ordinary shares. The purchased shares will be held by SIPCHEM as treasury shares through cash balances or …
South Korea to Impose Capital Gains Tax on Crypto
The South Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance has decided to impose capital gains tax on digital currencies.
IDEG Launches 2 Bitcoin Trusts in Asia
Digital asset management firm IDEG Investment on Sunday announced the launch of two crypto trusts - Asia Bitcoin Trust I and Atlas Mining Trust I.
OKEx to Launch Crypto Options Trading Later This Month
Crypto exchange OKEx on Monday announced its plan to launch a crypto options trading platform.
Ho, Ho, Ho, or No, No, No: Will BTC See a Santa Rally This Year?
Since its creation, the price of BTC has often seen sustained increases through the last week of the year. Could this year be different?