Latest Business News
Qatar Index Rises 1.41% Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The 20-stock Qatar Index rose 1.41% this week despite US-Iran tensions, boosted by Industries Qatar's QR4.3bn net profit adding QR7bn market cap. Trade volumes jumped 21% to 704.5mn shares worth QR2.29bn. Moody鈥檚 affirms stable Qatar banking sector due to growth expectations.
US and India Strike Major Trade Deal
US and India agreed to zero tariffs on key products with India pledging US$500bn in US goods purchases, though aspirational given current US$50bn imports. India may halt Russian oil buys, risking global oil supply tightening and inflation. Deal signals confidence shift post-2014.
US Job Market Shows Weakness with Massive Layoffs
January saw 108,435 dismissals, including 46,000 from two firms in transport and tech, plus hospital cuts. Reasons include market conditions (28,392), restructuring (20,044); only 7,624 due to AI. Full 2025 AI dismissals totaled 54,836.
India Pushes Reforms for Viksit Bharat 2047
PM Modi emphasized conviction-driven reforms like GST rationalization, new labour codes, nuclear energy bill, and trade pacts with 38 countries. Off-budget changes include Niti Aayog, Article 370 repeal; budget boosts capex by Rs 70 lakh crore. India now competes globally with new confidence.
Big Tech AI Spending Surges but Nvidia Shares Stagnant
Big Tech ramps AI infrastructure investments, yet Nvidia stock up less than 1% recently despite benefits. Private credit makes massive software bets larger than apparent.
Global Foreign Investment Rises 14% in 2025
UNCTAD reports global FDI up 14% in 2025 with finance leading rebound; data centers reshape investment landscape. Chips power digital trade led by Asia hub. World Investment Forum 2026 set for Doha.
Canadian Banks Show Strong Capital Ratios vs Peers
Benchmarking reveals Canadian SIBs with CET1 13.7% advanced approach, 9.3% standardized, leverage 4.4%; competitive to US, Europe, UK, Australia. Risk weights and profitability analyzed internationally.
China Consumer Prices Up 0.2%, PPI Decline Narrows
January CPI edged up 0.2% with narrowing PPI drop; high-quality opening-up advances. Social financing growth noted in latest economic data.
New Zealand Tourism Hits Record Highs
Over 3.5mn overseas visitors in year to Dec 2025, up 6%, first surpass since 2020; Aussies at records, low NZD boosts spending. Economist hails positive economy sign.
Qatar Govt Tenders Reach QR10.8bn in Q4
Government tenders and auctions hit QR10.8bn in Q4; venture market volumes surged 16-fold to 1.59mn shares worth QR3.32mn. Fitch notes sound Islamic banks metrics.
Eurozone Inflation Eases, Yield Curve Impacts Banks
Eurozone inflation cools; steeper yield curve may boost bank profits and credit. Fed balance sheet shrink concerns volatility, expects gradual approach.
Trade Policies Shift: UNCTAD Global Trade Update
UNCTAD February update asks who wins from shifting trade policies; new roadmap for Indonesia digital trade sustainability. Trade data fights plastic pollution.