For Middle East and North Africa Region, Reforms Can Refuel Growth Engines
May 2, 2017-Growth is slightly improving in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region, largely driven by higher oil prices and improved export prospects, says the IMF's latest regional economic assessment.
But civil conflict and high unemployment continue to weigh on the region's outlook.
IMF-view the Middle East and Central Asia Regional Outlook Reflecting Global Developments
Qatar QSE hits 20-week low, sees $2.45bln erode
April 29, 2017--Domestic institutions played spoilsport in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which led it hit a 20-week low and capitalisation erode more than QR9bn this week.
About 67% of the traded stocks were in the red as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 1.48% this week, which saw Industries Qatar (IQ) and Ooredoo report QR928mn and QR584mn net profit respectively in the first quarter (Q1) of this year.
Weak earnings may drag Qatar, du may fall on poor results
April 25, 2017--A disappointing set of quarterly earnings from two Qatari blue chips may weigh on the its index on Tuesday, while Dubai's largest listed telecommunications operator, du, may keep any gains in that market capped as its net income fell short of expectations.
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This is why IMF slashed GCC growth forecasts
April 24, 2017--The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded 2017 growth forecasts for most GCC countries. The IMF revised its forecast for global growth for the first time in five years when its World Economic Outlook released last week.
The fund now expects the UAE.s economy to grow just 1.5 per cent this year (from a previous estimate of 2.5 per cent and down from an estimated 2.7 per cent growth in 2016).
MIDEAST STOCKS-Qatar may rise on strong QNB results; Zain Saudi in focus
March 12, 2017--Qatar National Bank, the largest bank in the region by assets, reported better than expected first-quarter earnings that will help lift its local bourse, while Zain Saudi shares may jump after it swung to a net profit in the first quarter.
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Profits of listed companies on the Palestine Exchange grew 6% in 2016
April 10, 2017--The annual results disclosure period ended on the Palestine Exchange (PEX), 92% of listed companies were able to disclose within the set deadline, 82% were profitable in 2016.
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Good news: GCC stocks riding high this month
April 10, 2017--Abu Dhabi and Dubai were the best performing stocks in the MENA region with an increase of 3.9 per cent and 2.5 per cent.
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Dubai index stages smart recovery in last hour of trade
March 30, 2017-Dubai index on Thursday staged a smart recovery in last hour of trade even as volumes jumped by more than a half.
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Israel's Delek Group Seeks Further International Expansion After Profit Jump
March 30, 2017--Delek Group, the largest player in Israel's emerging energy industry, reported positive earnings today reflecting progress for the overall energy sector in Israel.
Israeli Energy stocks comprise roughly 4% of the BueStar Israel Global Index, tracked by the NYSE-listed ISRA ETF as well as funds offered by Psagot and IBI in Israel.