Islamic Finance is catching up among non-Islamic markets also. Economists and finance experts say that Islamic Finance is the need of the hour for the global economy in the wake of sluggish markets and looming uncertainty. Islamic finance assets globally are expected to be $1.8 trillion by 2020.
Middle East
Breaking News
Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone in Ain Sokhna may attract $5 billion investments. About 100 companies are expected to set up their operations in the zone paving the way for creation of employment opportunities for about 30,000 people.
Ending a sanction on Iranian oil export, The Monte Toledo, an oil tanker appears as the first to deliver crude oil in Europe since mid-2012. Iran’s oil export during February falls short from its earlier announcement for adding 500,000 barrels per day to the global oil market. However, industry insiders presume for Iranian oil exports in larger volume to Europe and Asia during the current month.
Surpassing Russia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has regained its lost status as top oil exporter to China in January 2016. However, China's oil imports eased during the month, while Russia suffered major drop in its exports. As a result, Saudi's market share rose to 15.9 percent highest since June 2015.
Iranian tycoon Babak Zanjani and 2 others have been convicted and sentenced to death since they are considered as "corruptor on earth" under Iran's Islamic Penal Code. They have embezzled $2.7 billion and have to pay it back.
Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) has beaten analysts' forecasts for the first quarter earnings. HPE has posted earnings per share (EPS) of 41 cents a share for first quarter as against the 40 cents per share of average forecast made by analysts. Hewlett Packard Enterprises is expected close Tsinghua deal by end of May as soon as it gets Chinese regulatory approval.
Drone racers around the world will face and compete with each other in Dubai to vie for the prize stake of $1 million that will be distributed in the different categories. The team that wins the race will get $250,000. Dubai's sky will be invaded by qualifiers on March 7 and 8, where the main event happens on March 11 and 12.
Israel is witnessing an increasing number of new venture capital (VC) firms coming up. The country registered an inflow of $665 million VC funding during the first two months of the year. Unfazed with the recent market crash, the funds inflows continue for Israel startups.
Africa's largest trading block is attracting attention of global investors and businessmen. The recent 'Africa 2016' investment forum held in Egypt had participation of over 1,500 businessmen and government representatives. Foreign investors have called for more reforms and policy changes among African nations.
HSBC Holdings Plc is not thinking it's time to deepen cuts at its securities unit. The bank's investment unit is suffering from drop in trading revenues amid sluggish financial markets. HSBC Holdings is aiming to reduce costs by $5 billion by 2017.
Investment inflows into oil and gas projects are dropping significantly. The investments in oil projects in 2016 is forecast to fall below £1 billion from the five-year annual average of £8 billion.
Standard & Poor's (S&P) has cut rating on Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as it's suffering from lower oil prices. The long -term foreign and local currency sovereign credit has been lowered to 'A minus/ A-2' from 'A plus / A-1.'
UAE Minister of State Sultan Al Jaber has assumed the charge as Director General at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). Al Jaber has to overcome turbulent conditions in the oil industry as the lower oil prices, oversupply and consumption are the major challenges ahead of him.
Starbucks have brewed some new additions to its mouth-watering menu. The company introduces the Smoked Butterscotch Latte together with the Teavana Citrus Green Latte, whether hot or cold and other versions of Frappuccino. This latest addition is available in U.S. and Canada only.
The market volatility, rising dollar and sluggish global economy are forcing foreign investors towards the US small business credit market for growth opportunities. Foreign investors generally prefer to invest in US treasury bonds. But the prevailing global conditions are propelling them to park their funds in small business credit market.
