Boubyan Bank’s General Assembly approves the distribution of 8% in cash dividends and 6% in bonus shares ========== Boubyan Bank's General Assembly has approved the distribution of 8% in cash dividends and 6% in bonus shares. The bank's Chairman, Abdulaziz Abdullah Dakheel Al-Shaya, highlighted the success of the bank's 5-year strategy 'Boubyan 2023', which resulted in accelerated growth across financial indicators and market shares. The bank recorded a net profit of KD 80.4 million in 2023, with a growth rate of 39%. The total combined assets of Boubyan Bank Group increased to KD 8.4 billion, while customer deposits grew by 9% to reach KD 6.5 billion. The bank's Vice-Chairman, Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed, emphasized the bank's commitment to maintaining solid profitability and ongoing growth, as well as its vision to become the leading Islamic bank in innovating digital financial solutions. The General Assembly also approved the recommendation to distribute dividends to shareholders at the end of the financial year or semi-annually. Boubyan Bank received more than 20 awards and international ratings in 2023, and its ratings from Moody's, S&P, and Fitch remain stable. Nomo Bank, a subsidiary of Boubyan Bank Group, launched unique products and services in 2023 and aims to become the Islamic bank of choice for GCC customers in the United Kingdom. #BoubyanBank #Dividends #BonusShares #FinancialResults #Strategy #Growth #IslamicBank #DigitalBanking #Awards #NomoBank https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-24:newsml_Zaw965Rk4:0-pressr-boubyan-bank-s-general-assembly-approves-the-distribution-of-8-in-cash-dividends-and-6-in-bonus-shares/

Oman Arab Bank supports the Dawam app for workforce development ========== Oman Arab Bank sponsors the Dawam App, an integrated solution for employment and freelance opportunities in Oman. The Dawam platform has over 150,000 users and 3,000 registered companies, connecting job seekers to potential employers and providing self-employment portals and training programs. The collaboration between OAB and the Dawam App reflects OAB's strategy to invest in initiatives that nurture talent, promote digital innovation, and contribute to the national economy. #OmanArabBank #DawamApp #WorkforceDevelopment #Employment #FreelanceOpportunities https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-24:newsml_Zaw3J4WxG:0-pressr-oman-arab-bank-champions-future-workforce-development-by-supporting-the-new-dawam-app/

Consumers In Great Shape Despite, Or Because Of, Higher Interest Rates: 'Those With Cash Are Rewarded' ========== Consumers are in great shape despite higher interest rates. Savers and investors with cash are being rewarded with higher rates of return. The net worth of Americans hit an all-time high by the end of 2023. Cash balances are high, stock prices are high, and home equity has never been higher. Consumers, investors, and savers are in good shape. However, wealth is not evenly balanced, and many families and households are struggling with higher prices. The U.S. consumer appears to still be in good shape despite warnings of a market reckoning.

Consumers In Great Shape Despite, Or Because Of, Higher Interest Rates: 'Those With Cash Are Rewarded' — TradingView News

Nancy Pelosi, Cathie Wood, NVIDIA Now Share Investments In This Pre-IPO, High-Growth Artificial Intelligence Company ========== Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, has disclosed large investments in technology giants NVIDIA Corporation and Palo Alto Networks Inc. She and her venture capitalist husband have also taken a $1 million to $5 million stake in data services and artificial intelligence company Databricks. Databricks has also received investments from prominent investors such as Cathie Wood's Ark Venture Fund and NVIDIA. Databricks raised $500 million in funding in September 2023, with T. Rowe Price Group Inc leading the investment round. The company reported 2023 revenue of $1.6 billion, up 50% year-over-year. While no IPO is planned for Databricks, an IPO in the future would generate significant attention. #NancyPelosi #CathieWood #Nvidia #Databricks #Investments #ArtificialIntelligence #Preipo

Nancy Pelosi, Cathie Wood, NVIDIA Now Share Investments In This Pre-IPO, High-Growth Artificial Intelligence Company — TradingView News

Benchmarks steady, high stockpiles at key hubs cap recovery ========== Fuel oil benchmarks in Asia ended the week on a steady note as high onshore stockpiles across key trading hubs capped recovery. Inventories for fuel oil extended gains across all key hubs including Singapore, Fujairah, and Rotterdam. Demand for bunker fuel has been lukewarm at top bunker hub Singapore in March. Singapore's cash differentials for very low sulfur fuel oil closed Friday at premiums between $1 to $2 a metric ton, while refining cracks were at premiums between $12 to $13 a barrel. Spot 380-cst high sulfur fuel oil differentials held steadily in discounts to Singapore quotes, while cracks were at discounts of about $10 to $11 a barrel. Thailand's PTT offered VLSFO for loading from Map Ta Phut port in April. ARA inventories gained 0.4% week-on-week to 1.51 million tons in the week to March 21. Oil prices slipped on Friday on the possibility of a nearing Gaza ceasefire. Russia said that the United States was unlikely to agree to a Ukrainian proposal to lower the price cap on Russian oil to $30 a barrel. Crude oil physical markets in Europe and Africa have weakened in response to peak refinery maintenance and extra supply from the United States and Saudi Arabia. Somali pirates' return are adding to the crisis for global shipping companies, as more than 20 attempted hijackings since November have driven up prices for armed security guards and insurance coverage while raising the spectre of possible ransom payments. No trades were reported for 180-cst HSFO, 380-cst HSFO, and 0.5% VLSFO. The article is from TradingView News and was published on March 22, 2024. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024:newsml_L3N3G00PT:0-benchmarks-steady-high-stockpiles-at-key-hubs-cap-recovery/

Banks, energy stocks push Australian shares higher; Fed decision in focus ========== Australian shares edged up on Wednesday, supported by financials and energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 index was up 0.2% at 7,720.1 points. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held rates steady on Tuesday. Financial stocks rose 0.4% with the 'Big Four' banks adding between 0.4% and 0.8%. Energy stocks advanced nearly 1% to a month-high on rising oil prices. Woodside Energy and Sector majors Woodside Energy added 1.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Iron prices rose to a near one-week high. Top miners BHP Group, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue rose 0.4%, 0.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. Bullion prices receded, causing shares of Northern Star Resources and Evolution Mining to lose 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. South32 retreated as much as 3.5% after withdrawing its fiscal 2024 forecast for Australian manganese production. New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.1% to 11,803.42 points. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024:newsml_L3N3FY027:0-banks-energy-stocks-push-australian-shares-higher-fed-decision-in-focus/

StoneCo Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Results ========== StoneCo Ltd. has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The company achieved strong results, with adjusted EBT reaching R$638 million, up 132% year over year, and adjusted net income of R$564 million, up 177% year over year. StoneCo's total revenue and income reached R$3,248.7 million, a 20.1% increase year over year. The company's financial services segment performed well, with notable growth in MSMB TPV and banking services. The software segment experienced a slight decrease in revenue. StoneCo outlined its strategic priorities for the coming years, including winning in the MSMB segment, driving engagement with clients, and scaling through platforms. The company also discussed its succession plan for the chairman position and highlighted the importance of long-term sustainable growth. #Stoneco #FinancialResults #Revenue #Income #Ebt #NetIncome #Msmb #Tpv #BankingServices #Software #StrategicPriorities #SuccessionPlan #Long-termGrowth https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-18:newsml_GNXWRQHr:0-stoneco-reports-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-year-2023-results/

California Water Service Group Announces Science-Aligned Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target ========== California Water Service Group has announced its commitment to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 63% by 2035 from a 2021 base year. The target is science-aligned and supports limiting global temperature increases to 1.5-degree Celsius above preindustrial levels. The Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Martin A. Kropelnicki, stated that the group took a data-driven approach and partnered with an independent consultant to analyze baseline and projected activities and emissions, estimate emissions reduction initiatives, and develop a strategy to achieve the targets. The group plans to pursue a portfolio of GHG emissions reduction projects focused on fleet electrification, water conservation, onsite solar installations, and renewable electricity procurement. More information will be provided in the upcoming 2023 ESG Report. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-18:newsml_GNX7sV977:0-california-water-service-group-announces-science-aligned-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-target/

Google's Stock Skyrockets 6% Amidst Ground Breaking Gemini AI And Apple Collaboration Talks ========== Google's stock increased by 6% following the announcement of potential licensing discussions with Apple. The boost reflects the market's optimism about the collaboration and its potential impact. The Gemini AI system, developed by Google, aims to improve iPhone software and elevate user experience. Google sees this potential partnership as an opportunity to tap into Apple's user base and expand the reach of its AI technology. Apple is also in talks with OpenAI, showing a dedication to integrating AI technology into its products. Google's stock value experienced a significant jump in 2023, recovering from a 44% decline. In 2024, the stock recorded a 7% increase and reached new highs. The recent surge, fueled by reports of the potential Apple collaboration, has pushed the stock price close to its peak, encountering resistance at the $150 level. The stock closed at $141.18 on March 15, trading down by 1.30%.

Google's Stock Skyrockets 6% Amidst Ground Breaking Gemini AI And Apple Collaboration Talks — TradingView News

Key Events This Week That Might Have a Potential Impact on Bitcoin ========== This week in the United States, several events could impact the price of Bitcoin. On Tuesday, the U.S. Housing Starts data will be released, providing insight into the housing market and overall economic activity. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will decide the interest rate, which can affect the price action of Bitcoin. The Fed will also hold a press conference to discuss the economy and future rates. On Thursday, the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index and Existing Home Sales data will be released, potentially influencing investor confidence and risk appetite. Finally, on Friday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell will address the US media and discuss the state of the economy and potential steps to strengthen the country's position. Bitcoin is currently hovering around its 2021 all-time high of $69,000 and may break a new all-time high if US economic data strengthens. #Bitcoin #UsEconomy #FederalReserve #InterestRate #HousingMarket #InvestorConfidence https://www.tradingview.com/news/coinedition:bc4fa1aa3094b:0-key-events-this-week-that-might-have-a-potential-impact-on-bitcoin/

Dubai’s MICE sector grows 25% while events industry clocks AED165bln in 2023 as Alltech Events doubles turnover ========== Dubai's MICE sector grew 25% in 2023, with the events industry reaching AED165 billion. Alltech Events, a Dubai-based event production company, doubled its annual turnover and hired 30% more people to manage growth. The Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) industry in the UAE is expected to grow at 8.5% from US$5.21 billion in 2023 to US$9.22 billion by 2030. The Middle East Event Services Market is projected to reach US$144.2 billion in 2033. Dubai World Trade Centre attracted 2.47 million participants in 2023. The events industry supports 100,000 jobs in Dubai and is expected to create 10,000 more in the next five years. Alltech Events plans to expand beyond the UAE to become a regional player. Dubai's tourism and hospitality industry is supported by the events sector, which attracts a large number of foreign visitors. The UAE dominates the MICE market in the Middle East due to its infrastructure and facilities. Dubai Business Events won 349 bids to host international conferences and congresses. The projected revenue in the event tickets market in the UAE is expected to reach US$249.90 million in 2024. The United States is the largest events and entertainment market in the world. #Dubai #MiceSector #EventsIndustry #AlltechEvents #Growth #Uae #MiddleEast #Tourism #Hospitality #Conferences #Exhibitions https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-18:newsml_Zaw4ckLBX:0-pressr-dubai-s-mice-sector-grows-25-while-events-industry-clocks-aed165bln-in-2023-as-alltech-events-doubles-turnover/

UK Stocks Close Lower Amid Barrage of US Data ========== London stocks closed lower as investors digested a spate of economic data in the US. The UK's FTSE 100 index closed 0.37% lower. US producer prices rose more than expected in February, while monthly retail sales recovered. These data are expected to influence upcoming interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve. In the UK, the house price balance improved in February. AstraZeneca agreed to acquire Amolyt Pharma for $1.05 billion. At closing, AstraZeneca lost 0.54%. #UkStocks #UsData #EconomicIndicators #Ftse100 #ProducerPrices #RetailSales #InterestRateDecisions #HousePrices #Astrazeneca #AmolytPharma https://www.tradingview.com/news/mtnewswires.com:20240314:G2344471:0-uk-stocks-close-lower-amid-barrage-of-us-data/

Gold firms as June rate cut bets still intact ========== Gold prices edged higher on Wednesday after dropping more than 1% in the previous session, as investors digested hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data and still banked on a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in June. Bullion slumped 1.1% on Tuesday as data indicated that U.S. consumer prices rose sharply in February, above expectations and indicating some inflation stickiness. Traders now see about a 65% chance of an interest rate cut from the Fed in June. Focus now shifts to U.S. retail sales, producer price index, and weekly initial jobless claims print due on Thursday, which will provide a further update on the status of the US economy. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024:newsml_L3N3FR258:0-gold-firms-as-june-rate-cut-bets-still-intact/

Statement by SBA Administrator Guzman on Anniversary of American Rescue Plan ========== Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), issued a statement on the anniversary of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan catalyzed the nation's economic recovery and led to a historic Small Business Boom with a record 16.5 million new business applications. The law added billions of dollars to critical pandemic relief programs, such as the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection (PPP) program. It also helped theaters, restaurants, and other hard-hit businesses through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. The American Rescue Plan is foundational to the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, and small businesses are at the heart of the country's recovery. The SBA will continue its work to support the more than 33 million small businesses in the United States. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-11:newsml_GNX7tjHym:0-statement-by-sba-administrator-guzman-on-anniversary-of-american-rescue-plan/

Micron Appoints Robert Swan to its Board of Directors ========== Micron Technology, Inc. has appointed Robert (Bob) Swan to its board of directors. Swan is an operating partner at Andreessen Horowitz and has a distinguished career in the semiconductor, technology, and industrial sectors. He previously served as CFO and later CEO of Intel Corporation. Swan's extensive background also includes notable roles at eBay, Electronic Data Systems Corp., TRW Inc., and Webvan Group, Inc. Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra expressed excitement about Swan's appointment and highlighted his track record in driving growth and operational excellence. Swan's vision, financial acumen, and leadership experience will be pivotal for Micron as it advances its strategic objectives. Swan began his career at General Electric and holds a B.S. from the University at Buffalo and an M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Micron Technology, Inc. is an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-11:newsml_GNX96Tjj5:0-micron-appoints-robert-swan-to-its-board-of-directors/

Stanley Druckenmiller's Secret Sauce: The Two Stocks Dominating a Quarter of His Three Billion Dollar Portfolio ========== Stanley Druckenmiller, a successful investor with a net worth of nearly $6.2 billion, holds 50 stocks in his portfolio valued at roughly $3.11 billion. Over a third of his total portfolio is invested in just three large-cap stocks. One of the stocks dominating his portfolio is Microsoft (MSFT), with approximately 1.1 million shares accounting for roughly 13.1% of his total portfolio. Microsoft's strategic investments in generative AI and gaming, including a stake in OpenAI, have been paying off. The other stock dominating Druckenmiller's portfolio is Coupang Inc. (CPNG), one of the largest retail companies in the world. Druckenmiller owns approximately 22.91 million shares of CPNG, accounting for 11.93% of his total portfolio. CPNG has shown strong financials, and analysts have issued positive ratings and price targets for the stock. Both stocks have performed well so far in 2024. Microsoft shares have surged over 10% and CPNG stock has increased over 16%.

Stanley Druckenmiller's Secret Sauce: The Two Stocks Dominating a Quarter of His Three Billion Dollar Portfolio — TradingView News

The Biden Dilemma: Voters Favor Trump's Hand On The Economy Even After GDP Grows, New Poll Reveals ========== A new poll reveals that despite improvements in the economy, President Joe Biden's approval rating for his handling of the economy remains stagnant at 36%. 59% of voters disapprove of his management of the economy. When asked to choose between Trump and Biden for better handling of the economy, 40% of respondents chose Trump, compared to 34% who chose Biden. Biden's campaign team needs to effectively communicate positive economic indicators to voters, especially in swing states. The U.S. economy has been adding jobs at a robust pace, with the February non-farm payrolls report showing an expansion of 275,000 jobs and a low jobless rate of 3.9%. Inflation has slowed from its peak in the summer of 2022. The stock market has reached record highs, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust rising to an intraday record of 518.22. The poll was conducted between Feb. 29 and March 2 with a margin of error of +/-3.1% and included 1,010 registered voters. #JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #Economy #Poll #ApprovalRating

The Biden Dilemma: Voters Favor Trump's Hand On The Economy Even After GDP Grows, New Poll Reveals — TradingView News

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort announces Carla Abelleyra as Bushman’s Restaurant Manager ========== Carla Abelleyra has been announced as the new restaurant manager at Bushman’s Restaurant and Bar at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Carla brings over a decade of experience and education in luxury hospitality and restaurant management. She completed a degree in International Hotel Management at Anáhuac University in Mexico in 2016 and gained a postgraduate degree in Luxury Hospitality & Event Management from the International University of Monaco in 2017. Carla has worked under renowned French chef Joël Robuchon and has held management positions at various establishments in Dubai. Maurice Fitzgerald, Director of Food & Beverage at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, expressed excitement about Carla joining the team. Carla is known for her focus on nurturing and developing talented individuals to create a culture of exceptional service and teamwork. #AnantaraThePalmDubaiResort #CarlaAbelleyra #Bushman’sRestaurantAndBar #LuxuryHospitality #RestaurantManagement https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-11:newsml_Zaw33X3qg:0-pressr-anantara-the-palm-dubai-resort-announces-carla-abelleyra-as-bushman-s-restaurant-manager/

Cenomi Centers partners with top Saudi Pro League team to cater for growing football fan base in the Kingdom ========== Cenomi Centers, the largest owner, operator, and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia, has partnered with Al-Ahli Saudi FC, one of the best-supported football clubs in the nation. The partnership will result in the opening of a new club store at U Walk Jeddah in the coming months. The signing ceremony was attended by Ron Gourlay, CEO of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, and star players from the club. The Al-Ahli store in U Walk Jeddah will cater to the increasing numbers of football fans in the Kingdom, offering merchandise from one of the top teams in the Saudi Pro League. U Walk Jeddah is Cenomi Center's flagship shopping center, featuring premier lifestyle options and a 2km long open-air promenade. Turki Al Zahrani, Chief Corporate Services Officer of Cenomi Centers, anticipates partnerships with further football clubs to make their shopping centers the go-to destinations for football fans. https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2024-03-10:newsml_Zaw5NZW6:0-pressr-cenomi-centers-partners-with-top-saudi-pro-league-team-to-cater-for-growing-football-fan-base-in-the-kingdom/

Technology Lifts US Equity Indexes as Powell Signals to Lawmakers Interest-Rate Cuts Remain on Cards ========== US equity indexes rose after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled that interest-rate cuts remain on the table for this year. The S&P 500 climbed 1.1% to 5,161.8, the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.7% to 16,297.9, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average traded 0.5% higher at 38,855.5. Powell stated that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will likely cut rates in 2024 if the economy continues to evolve as expected. He emphasized that policy formulation will be data-dependent. Risk assets bounced after Powell's remarks, providing relief to markets. In economic news, the US international trade deficit widened to $67.43 billion in January, and new unemployment claims remained unchanged at 217,000 for the week ended March 2. The European Central Bank held rates steady and revised its 2024 economic growth forecast and inflation expectations. Kroger gave an upbeat full-year profit outlook, and chipmaker Kroger is expected to receive $3.5 billion from the US government for advanced semiconductors. #UsEquityIndexes #Interest-rateCuts #FederalReserve #JeromePowell https://www.tradingview.com/news/mtnewswires.com:20240307:A3095350:0-technology-lifts-us-equity-indexes-as-powell-signals-to-lawmakers-interest-rate-cuts-remain-on-cards/