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Dubai Gold And Commodities Exchange Weekly View-December 6, 2010
December 6, 2010-- Economic Data Overview
The December 6 week has a sparse data calendar and it will probably be the series of central bank announcements that will be the big news. After an extremely busy data schedule in the November 29 week, the calendar shifts to a few reports, most of which are second-tier in market interest. Friday is both the busiest day and the one with the most important economic data releases.
The data on the international trade deficit for October on Friday will do much to set expectations for the preliminary estimate of Q3 GDP when it is released on December 22. Demand for US goods abroad appears to be on the rise at a faster pace than that for goods imported to the US. If so, this means lower net exports in the GDP report.
The preliminary reading for the Reuters/University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index in December is also due Friday. Consumers' perception of conditions seems to be taking a turn for the better. The end of the election has reduced uncertainty, and there is more positive news on the economy to lift spirits, particularly in regard to the labour market. Both the Conference Board and University of Michigan measures showed marked improvement at the end of November, and this should continue into the first weeks of December.
The November indexes for import and export prices are also due Friday. The data is unadjusted. Imports are likely to gain on petroleum once again on higher oil prices. There may also be some impacts from foreign exchange rates. Export prices are likely to rise on gains in commodities like wheat, corn and soybeans. The value of the US dollar was generally more stable in November and should have a limited impact on prices.
Source: Dubai Gold And Commodities Exchange
KSE price index maintains downward trend
December 2, 2010-- Price index of Kuwait Stock ExchangeKuwait Stock Exchange (KSEKSE) dropped further in the Thursday session losing 39.9 points in the operations around 11 a.m. (local time) and putting the level at 6,810.6 points.
Volume of exchanged stocks has amounted to 59.9 million, at a value of KD 20.6 million, for up to 1,398 trades.
The price index of the national stock market (bourse) continued bleeding for the second consecutive day on Thursday, shedding 11.4 points in the early hours of today's session and falling to the level of 6,839.1 points. Early in the morning, the volume of the traded stocks amounted to 6.4 million, valued at KD 1.4 million, for up to 186 deals.
Source: Zawya
Islamic Financial Services Board to revise its rules
December 2, 2010--Rifaat Ahmed Abdel Karim, secretary-general of the Islamic Financial Services Board, an association of regulators in Muslim countries, has said the board will revise its rules next year to enhance Shari'ah-compliant banks' capital in line with Basel III reforms, Reuters has reported.
The aim of the changes is "not to put the Islamic financial services industry at a disadvantage and to provide them with a level playing field" relative to conventional banks but did not elaborate on possible revisions, he said. The IFSB would seek its council's approval in December to begin work next year on amending the regulations, with the process expected to be completed around 2013, he said.
Source: AME Info
CISI launches Islamic finance professional interest forum and announces fully sharia'a compliant IFQ exam and workbook
December 1, 2010--The CISI is launching a new Islamic finance professional interest forum (PIF) in conjunction with the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance (IIBI). From 2011, members of the Islamic finance forum will meet quarterly in London to network over lunch, listen to presentations and discuss issues affecting them in a confidential setting.
Events will be free for all members of the CISI (although students may only attend one Islamic finance forum each year) and IIBI members.
Mohammad Ali Qayyum, Director General of the IIBI, said: "We are pleased to be part of this PIF which will offer a unique platform for members of the CISI and IIBI to exchange views on issues vital for the continued development and growth of the Islamic financial services industry."
Source: AME Info
Kuwait forecasts 2011 GDP growth following 2010 stagnation
December 1, 2010-Last week, the governor of Kuwait's Central Bank said he expects GDP growth to continue in 2011, it having stalled in 2010. "For 2011 we expect between 3% and 4% and for this year I can say almost zero [growth]", Sheikh Salem Abdul Aziz Al-Sabah said in an interview.
Some are even more optimistic on Kuwait's immediate prospects for growth. The International Monetary Fund expects Kuwait's economy to grow 2.3% this year and 4.4% in 2011, according to figures on its website.
"Kuwait's story will be pretty similar to what goes on in the other GCC markets," says Syed Saqlain, research analyst, Mena Equities, at Kuwait Financial Centre.
Source: AME Info
Dubai market gains ahead of UAE National Holidays
December 1, 2010--The DFM General Index finished the week positively, ending 1.15% higher at 1,687.92 points as 92.25m shares changed hands. Market bellwether Emaar Properties added 1.38% to close at Dhs3.67. Shares of contracting specialist Drake and Scull International (DSI) advanced 0.74% to finish at Dhs0.958. DSI announced today that its subsidiary Drake & Scull Water and Power (DSWP) has been awarded a Dhs290m EPCO (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Operation) contract for a District Cooling Plant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The contract includes the design and build of the district cooling plant, which has a capacity of 35,000 tonnes. The project will take 18 months to complete, the statement to the DFM says. The DFM will be closed until Sunday on the occasion of the 39th UAE National Day on December 2nd. Trading will resume on Monday, December 6.
Source: AME Info
Real estate blue chips lift Abu Dhabi bourse
December 1, 2010--In Abu Dhabi, the ADX index gained 0.58% to finish at 2,745.58. Real estate heavyweights Aldar Properties (up 1.81% at Dhs2.25) and Sorouh Real Estate (gaining 1.21% at Dhs1.68) were the most active shares by volume.
Islamic insurer Abu Dhabi National Takaful posted the largest loss, closing ten percent lower at Dhs3.51.
Source: AME Info
Kuwait market weakens 0.59% on banking losses
December 1, 2010--The KSE Market Index declined on Wednesday for the second consecutive day, ending 0.59% lower at 6,850.5. Losses in the banking segment were once again weighing on the market sentiment.
The country's largest lender National Bank of Kuwait lost 1.56%, finishing at KD1.260. Telecom provider Zain, the most liquid share listed at the KSE, closed off 1.41% at KD1.400.
Source: AME Info
Qatari bourse extends sideways trend
December 1, 2010--Due to a lack of impulses, the Doha-based Qatar market QE ended down 0.15% at 8,129.67. The market has been struggling this week as investors began to book profits after a strng summer rally.
The QE Index gained 16.82% on a year-to-date basis, the highest advance among GCC stock indices. Insurers lost in particluar on Wednesday, as Qatar Insurance closed 1.37% lower at QR79.40.
Source: AME Info
Saudi petrochemicals push Tadawul market higher
December 1, 2010--The Riyadh-located Tadawul bourse gained 0.42% Wednesday to close at 6,344.88, ending the last trading week of November with a plus of 0.85%. Petrochemical firms Sabic (up 1.24% at SR101.75), Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company (0.28% higher at SR18.15) and Yansab National Petrochemical Company (gaining 2.21% at SR46.20) lifted
the market in particular. Banks and financials ended mostly lower. Samba Financial Group shares (down 2.16% at SR56.50) might test the next support level at SR55.
Source: AME Info
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