Egypt’s finance minister says cutting inflation is priority

Egypt’s finance minister says cutting inflation is priority
Inflation dipped to 33.3 percent in March from a record 38 percent in September, far higher than the central bank’s long-standing target of between 5 percent and 9 percent. Shutterstock
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Updated 17 April 2024
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Egypt’s finance minister says cutting inflation is priority

Egypt’s finance minister says cutting inflation is priority

CAIRO: The Egyptian government’s main priority is to reduce inflation to within the central bank’s target, Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said on Tuesday, adding that economic growth was expected to rise in the financial year starting in July to 4.2 percent, from 2.8 percent this year, according to Reuters.

Maait also said the government aimed to sell more state assets, which would reduce the state’s role in the economy, allow the private sector more ownership, increase productivity and generate revenue to reduce Egypt’s debt.

Egypt’s economy has been hurt over the last half year by the crisis in Gaza, which has slowed tourism growth and cut into Suez Canal revenue, two of the country’s biggest sources of foreign currency.

Revenue from the waterway has fallen by more than 60 percent, Maait said, speaking during the IMF Governor Talks series in Washington.

The challenges prompted the IMF to expand financial support to Egypt to $8 billion, while Egypt sharply devalued its currency, made its latest pledge to move to a flexible exchange rate, and struck a record $35 billion investment deal with a UAE sovereign wealth fund.

Inflation dipped to 33.3 percent in March from a record 38 percent in September, far higher than the central bank’s long-standing target of between 5 percent and 9 percent.

Egypt generated growth over the last decade by financing giant state projects, including a new $58 billion capital in the desert, through a borrowing spree abroad that quadrupled its foreign debt.

The government hopes to lower interest rates to reduce interest payments on debt, Maait said. The central bank so far this year has raised its overnight interest rates by 800 basis points.

The government has put a limit of 1 trillion Egyptian pounds ($20.6 billion) on all public investment, including that of the military, Maait said. The private sector should make up at least 65-70 percent of the economy, he added.

“Giving the main role to the private sector to lead the country is in the benefit of the state. Why? Because we have close to 1 million young people coming to the labor market looking for jobs every year,” Maait said.

“Who will be able to create that? The government cannot create more than 100,000 new jobs. An economy led by the private sector can create 900,000 — even more — jobs, but we have to give them the opportunity.”


Expat inflows to keep demand high for residential real estate in Riyadh and Jeddah: S&P Global 

Expat inflows to keep demand high for residential real estate in Riyadh and Jeddah: S&P Global 
Updated 11 November 2024
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Expat inflows to keep demand high for residential real estate in Riyadh and Jeddah: S&P Global 

Expat inflows to keep demand high for residential real estate in Riyadh and Jeddah: S&P Global 

RIYADH: The demand for residential real estate in Riyadh and Jeddah is projected to remain high due to the growing population, according to a new report. 

Released by capital market economy firm S&P Global, the study said that expat inflows are one of the reasons for an average expected growth of 3.3 percent a year between 2024 and 2027.

Rental yields also remain high, with year-on-year growth in the first of half of 2024 coming it at 9 percent in Riyadh and 4 percent in Jeddah, the report underlined. 

Saudi Arabia’s real estate is a vital element of the country’s economy, contributing around 7 percent of gross domestic product and supporting numerous additional sectors.

“We recently revised the outlook on our sovereign ratings on Saudi Arabia to positive from stable to reflect our view of the country’s strong outlook for non-oil growth and its economic resilience to volatile oil prices,” the S&P report said. 

“Vision 2030 targets a 70 percent homeownership rate by 2030, and the country is on track to achieve this, with the rate hitting 63.7 percent at the end of 2023, according to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs,” the release added. 

The analysis further showed that new residential units and mortgages will continue to rise in 2024, keeping with the country’s homeownership target.

It also highlighted that visa policy reforms and regulatory changes could boost direct foreign investment in the property sector.

However, the report said that private real estate developers face significant challenges, including mounting construction costs and competition for financing from other Vision 2030 projects.


Mining industry accelerates decarbonization with AI and tech investments: KPMG report

Mining industry accelerates decarbonization with AI and tech investments: KPMG report
Updated 58 min 27 sec ago
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Mining industry accelerates decarbonization with AI and tech investments: KPMG report

Mining industry accelerates decarbonization with AI and tech investments: KPMG report
  • 43% identify artificial intelligence as a crucial tool for addressing strategic challenges
  • Companies are increasingly adopting key performance indicators to monitor carbon reduction efforts

RIYADH: The metals and mining sector is accelerating decarbonization, digital transformation, and resilience, with 55 percent of executives prioritizing emissions reduction, according to a new survey report. 

KPMG’s 2024 Global Metals and Mining Outlook revealed that nearly half — 47 percent — of mining executives view technology investments as essential to transforming carbon footprints over the next five years. 

The report, based on insights from over 450 C-level executives, including Bob Wilt, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s national mining company Ma’aden, highlighted shifts driven by sustainability, technological advancements, and supply chain strategies. 

Sammy Ahmed, partner and head of energy and natural resources at KPMG for Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “The metals and mining sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, where decarbonization, geopolitical shifts, and technology, including AI, are reshaping the path to resilience and growth.” 

He added that integrating sustainable practices with operational transformation is essential for achieving a net-zero future, offering a strategic advantage for long-term success. 

The global consulting network revealed that 43 percent identify artificial intelligence as a crucial tool for addressing strategic challenges, including optimizing production and reducing emissions. 

According to Wilt, as quoted in the report: “The time it takes from exploration to commissioning a mine has been cut from sixteen years to nine years, thanks to AI and advanced analytics.” 

The report said that as companies strive to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, initiatives like mining machinery electrification and operational redesign are central, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. 

It added that companies are increasingly adopting key performance indicators to monitor carbon reduction efforts, with 43 percent already implementing systems to track carbon footprints. 

“We note that companies are adapting by strengthening compliance through AI and scenario planning,” said Farhan Muhammad, director of metals and mining at KPMG in Saudi Arabia. 

“Global trends, like the use of AI and innovation for decarbonization, sustainability, operational efficiency and business continuity are increasingly being implemented in Saudi Arabia as well, with promising outcomes so far,” he added. 

Despite challenges from price volatility and supply chain disruptions, the report highlighted that the outlook remains optimistic. KPMG noted that 66 percent of executives reported increased output price volatility due to geopolitical instability and surging demand for minerals like lithium, copper, and nickel. 

However, 61 percent expressed confidence in their companies’ growth potential over the next two years, with 58 percent investing in new markets and partnerships to strengthen supply chains. 

The industry is also facing a workforce gap in tech skills, with 47 percent of executives noting shortages in skilled talent. Companies are addressing this through upskilling initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions to attract talent from technology and renewable energy sectors. 

On regulatory issues, 33 percent of executives identify Scope 1 and 2 emissions as significant regulatory risks, while 30 percent cite Scope 3 emissions as an area of concern. AI is increasingly utilized to predict regulatory changes and manage compliance, with 56 percent of executives noting its role in mitigating regulatory risks. 


Oil Updates – prices little changed as US storm threat abates, China stimulus disappoints

Oil Updates – prices little changed as US storm threat abates, China stimulus disappoints
Updated 11 November 2024
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Oil Updates – prices little changed as US storm threat abates, China stimulus disappoints

Oil Updates – prices little changed as US storm threat abates, China stimulus disappoints

SINGAPORE: Oil prices were little changed on Monday as the threat of supply disruptions from a US storm eased and after China’s stimulus plan disappointed investors seeking fuel demand growth in the world’s No. 2 oil consumer.

Brent crude futures rose 4 cents to $73.91 a barrel by 10:14 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $70.31 a barrel, down 7 cents.

Both benchmarks fell more than 2 percent on Friday.

Beijing’s latest stimulus package announced at the National People’s Congress (NPC) standing committee meeting on Friday fell short of market expectations, IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note, adding that its murky forward guidance hinted at only modest stimulus for housing and consumption.

ANZ analysts said the lack of direct fiscal stimulus implied that Chinese policymakers have left room for assessing the impact of policies the next US administration will introduce.

“The market will now shift focus to the Politburo meeting and Central Economic Work Conference in December, where we expect more pro-consumption countercyclical measures to be announced,” they added in a note.

Oil consumption in China, the world’s driver of global demand growth for years, has barely grown in 2024 as its economic growth has slowed, gasoline use has declined with the rapid growth of electric vehicles and liquefied natural gas has replaced diesel as a truck fuel.

Oil prices have also eased after concerns about potential supply disruptions from storm Rafael in the US Gulf of Mexico subsided.

More than a quarter of US Gulf of Mexico oil and 16 percent of natural gas output remained offline on Sunday, according to the offshore energy regulator.

Shell and Chevron each said on Sunday they would start redeploying personnel to their Gulf of Mexico platforms to resume operations.

Looking ahead, there were also concerns that US oil and gas output could rise under the new Trump administration although analysts say 2025’s production forecast is unlikely to change.

“We think producers may think twice about turbo-charging US supply in an era when OPEC+ has already staked out plans to gradually raise production targets over the course of 2025,” Tim Evans of Evans Energy said in a note.

Trump’s election promise of hiking import tariffs to boost the US economy have clouded the global economic outlook although expectations that he could tighten sanctions on OPEC producers Iran and Venezuela and cut oil supply to global markets partly caused oil prices to gain more than 1 percent last week.

Oil markets are also being supported by firm demand from US refiners who are expected to run their plants at above 90 percent of their crude processing capacity on low inventories and improving demand for gasoline and diesel, executives and industry experts said.


ROSHN rebrands as multi-asset developer to lead Saudi real estate transformation

ROSHN rebrands as multi-asset developer to lead Saudi real estate transformation
Updated 10 November 2024
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ROSHN rebrands as multi-asset developer to lead Saudi real estate transformation

ROSHN rebrands as multi-asset developer to lead Saudi real estate transformation

RIYADH: ROSHN, the real estate development company backed by the Public Investment Fund, has announced a bold transformation into a multi-asset real estate developer, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This move is underscored by the launch of a refreshed corporate identity and a new strategy designed to elevate the quality of life across the Kingdom.

The redefined strategic direction includes an expanded portfolio that spans new categories of real estate assets, marking a significant step in ROSHN’s commitment to reshaping the urban landscape. The company aims to lead the sector’s transformation by creating vibrant, sustainable communities, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

This move is underscored by the launch of a refreshed corporate identity. SPA

This shift also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national objective of achieving a 70 percent homeownership rate and enhances ROSHN’s role in driving economic growth and job creation. It marks a key milestone in ROSHN’s leadership within the real estate sector and sets the stage for the development of mixed-use projects and multi-asset destinations across the country.

“ROSHN is proud to be a pioneer in the Kingdom’s real estate development sector, with an ambitious vision to transform the urban landscape,” said Ghada Al-Rumayan, group chief marketing and communications officer. “As ROSHN grows, its vision becomes increasingly clear, reflected in its expansionary approach and commitment to creating distinctive, high-quality destinations that enhance the quality of life across the Kingdom.”

The new identity reflects ROSHN’s dedication to diversifying its real estate offerings. The company is expanding beyond residential communities to include integrated spaces that cater to various segments of society. The goal is to raise living standards and foster economic development, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

One of the latest projects showcasing this vision is the MARAFY development in Jeddah, which aims to create a pioneering waterway system connecting the Red Sea to Jeddah’s neighborhoods — a first of its kind in the Kingdom.

ROSHN’s current portfolio spans over 200 million sq. m of residential communities, alongside more than 4 million sq. m of commercial spaces, including offices, retail outlets, and tourism facilities. The company also has significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, mosques, and essential services.

Moreover, it is expanding into emerging sectors such as logistics, industrial zones, transportation, entertainment, and fitness centers, reinforcing its broad ambitions and role in diversifying the economy.

By broadening its focus beyond traditional residential developments, ROSHN aims to become a leader in the development of mixed-use, multi-asset communities that contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term growth and prosperity.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,103

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,103
Updated 10 November 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,103

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,103
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 10.85 points, or 0.07%, to close at 29,248.15
  • MSCI Tadawul Index lost 3.03 points, or 0.20%, to close at 1,518.76

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 27.67 points, or 0.23 percent, to close at 12,103.16. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.09 billion ($1.62 billion), as 82 of the stocks advanced and 144 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also lost 10.85 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 29,248.15. This comes as 47 of the listed stocks advanced, while 31 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 3.03 points, or 0.20 percent, to close at 1,518.76. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Riyadh Cement Co., whose share price surged 9.88 percent to SR32.80. 

Other top performers were Saudi Industrial Export Co. and Miahona Co., whose share prices rose by 9.76 percent and 5.81 percent to SR2.70 and SR30.95, respectively. 

The worst performer was Al-Babtain Power and Telecommunication Co., whose share price dropped 8 percent to SR39.65. 

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. and Shatirah House Restaurant Co. were among the worst performers, with their share prices falling by 7.67 percent and 7.11 percent to SR62.60 and SR19.60, respectively.

On the announcements front, Al-Jouf Cement Co. released its interim consolidated financial results for the period ending Sept. 30.

According to a statement on Tadawul, the company reported a net profit of SR30 million for the first nine months of the year, marking a 30.8 percent decline compared to the same period in 2023. 

The decrease is primarily attributed to lower export sales, higher heavy fuel oil prices, and an increase in administrative expenses due to the rescheduling of credit facilities. 

Al-Jouf Cement Co. ended the session at SR10.16, down 1.38 percent. 

MBC Group Co. also announced its interim financial results for the period ending Sept. 30. A bourse filing revealed that the company recorded a net profit of SR250 million for the first nine months of the year, reflecting a 36,686 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. 

The surge is primarily because the previous year’s results only covered the period from July to September 2023 — following the acquisition of subsidiaries — while the 2024 results account for the full nine months. 

MBC Group Co. ended the session at SR46.80, down 1.07 percent. 

Arabian Centers Co., or Cenomi Centers, reported a net profit of SR867.6 million for the first nine months of 2024, a 14.83 percent decline compared to the same period in 2023, according to a Tadawul statement. 

The drop was mainly due to higher net finance costs, increased impairment losses on receivables, and a rise in revenue and investment property gains. However, advertising, promotional, general, administrative, and other operating expenses all decreased. 

The company closed at SR21.44, down 2.17 percent. 

Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. reported a net loss of SR48.3 million for the first nine months of the year, a 45.7 percent decline compared to the same period in 2023, according to a bourse filing. 

The loss was mainly due to a decline in gross margin, though offset by lower selling, general, and administrative expenses, higher other operating income, and reduced net finance expenses. 

The company closed at SR13.18, up 0.47 percent. 

Saudi National Bank has launched the offering of its SR-denominated Additional Tier 1 Sukuk, with a minimum subscription of SR1 million.

According to a Tadawul statement, the Sukuk’s amount and terms will be determined based on market conditions. SNB Capital Co. has been appointed as the sole lead manager, bookrunner, and lead arranger. 

The bank closed at SR33.00, up 0.92 percent.