Evest Launches ‘1-0’ To Elevate Financial Literacy:
Adding Investment Education to its robust portfolio of services;
Evest, the region’s leading online trading firm, has released a 10-episode series on financial literacy.
Aptly titled ‘1-0’, every episode has been strategically produced to focus on the niche aspects of wealth management.
And empower investors with financial literacy.
The event was held at Paramount Bay Hotel, and invitees and media were in attendance. Read more
Surge in Asian Markets and Yen Reaches One-Month High
The Asian markets witnessed an increase, with the Japanese currency,
the “Yen,” reaching its highest level in a month,
driven by the rise on Wall Street due to statements from the Federal Reserve Chairman.
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Most Asian markets experienced an upswing on Thursday following the uptrend in U.S. markets
attributed to remarks by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, hinting at the possibility of interest rate cuts this year.
The Yen strengthened to its highest level in a month against the dollar.
Stocks rose from Australia to Japan and China, pushing regional market indices higher for the second consecutive day.
In contrast, the Hang Seng Index fluctuated at the beginning of trading sessions. U.S. futures saw a decline after the S&P 500 index rose by 0.5% yesterday, reaching 5100 points, and the Nasdaq 100 index advanced by 0.7%.
The Yen traded at its highest level in a month, rising to levels below 150 against the dollar yesterday. This increase was partly due to a faster wage growth since last June. The Bank of Japan faces pressure to end its current policy of negative interest rates, with expectations that this might happen this month or the next. Reports suggest implicit approval from some government officials for this move by the central bank, while investors will closely monitor further statements from the Bank of Japan when board member Junko Nakagawa speaks later today.
Increasing expectations of ending negative interest rate policies in Japan boosted bank stocks today, with bank stocks rising by 2.3% on the TOPIX index. During the appropriate period for interest rate cuts, the U.S. dollar index declined after yesterday’s drop in U.S. bond yields. The ten-year index stabilized in Asia after losing five basis points to 4.1% during the previous session.
In his testimony before the House committee, Jerome Powell affirmed that, despite not seeing an urgent need to cut interest rates due to the strength of the U.S. economy, it is likely to be appropriate to do so “at some point this year.” Jose Torres of Interactive Brokers noted that Powell’s positivity regarding inflation trends and confidence in achieving the current peak interest rate were sufficient for market participants. Powell also added that the central bank is likely to make significant changes to its plan to impose additional capital on large banks, a major win for major U.S. banks.
In other news, New York Community Bancorp, operating in the commercial real estate mortgage sector, secured a $1 billion investment in its stocks, leading to a decline in its stock price. Job opportunities in the United States remained high, with private wages recording a strong increase in February, slightly below estimates. A survey by the Federal Reserve’s “Beige Book” revealed that the U.S. economy has been growing at a moderate pace since the beginning of the year, while consumers show increased sensitivity to rising prices.
In Asia, upcoming data includes Australian trade data, Taiwan’s inflation rate, and China’s trade and external balance data, while Malaysia will announce its monetary policy decision. The annual parliamentary session in China continues, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s conference expected to address various issues, including U.S.-China relations and Taiwan.
Regarding the Chinese economy, the head of the People’s Bank of China told reporters yesterday that there is still an opportunity to reduce the reserve ratio that banks must hold, a type of monetary easing. At the same time, senior Chinese securities regulators warned that authorities would intervene to rectify “market failure” in emergency situations. Attention is also focused on the Chinese technology sector, with shares of JD.com in Hong Kong rising by up to 9.2% after the company began a $3 billion share buyback program following better-than-expected earnings.
On the other hand, Bitcoin experienced a slight decline, trading at around $66,000, after reaching its highest level earlier this week. Gold prices stabilized after achieving record numbers, with the volatility in cryptocurrencies and precious metals sending conflicting messages to market participants. The oil price did not see significant changes after yesterday’s rise, as additional tensions in the Middle East pushed the U.S. WTI crude oil price up by 1.3%. These tensions marked the first confirmed attacks in the region after Houthi fighters initiated their attacks.
Surge in Asian Markets and Yen Reaches One-Month High
Trading Contracts in Saudi Arabia
Trading Contracts for Difference (CFD) is a type of financial instrument that allows investors to benefit from changes in the prices
of underlying assets without the need to own the actual asset.
Underlying assets for CFDs can include stocks, foreign currencies, indices, commodities, and bonds.
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Features of Trading in Saudi Arabia
Determining the features of trading contracts in Saudi Arabia depends on the regulatory framework and local laws. In Saudi Arabia, there are transformations and developments in the financial markets sector, encouraging the expansion of trading services. Here are some potential features of trading contracts in Saudi Arabia:
Trading Contracts for Difference (CFD) provides a wide range of opportunities in various financial markets. Here are some available opportunities for CFD trading:
Stocks:
Foreign Exchange (Forex):
Indices:
Commodities:
Bonds:
Real Estate CFDs:
Digital Currencies (Cryptocurrencies):
Investors should be familiar with the markets they wish to trade in, conduct thorough research, and manage risks carefully before engaging in any type of trading. It is also advisable to seek independent financial advice to ensure informed decision-making and understanding of all relevant financial and legal aspects.
Despite the numerous opportunities, trading Contracts for Difference (CFD) is associated with challenges and risks that need to be considered before engaging in this type of trading. Here are some common challenges and risks:
High Leverage:
Market Volatility:
Trading Fees:
Non-ownership of the Asset:
Impact of News and Economic Events:
Lack of Voting Rights:
To minimize risks, investors should develop strong trading strategies, exercise caution, and manage risks carefully.
It is also advisable to seek independent financial advice before starting CFD trading.
Trading Contracts in Saudi Arabia
Goldman Sachs removes Apple’s stocks from its preferred list
influenced by weak performance and a decline in demand for the American technology giant’s flagship products.
The bank decided to remove Apple from the list due to the declining performance of its stock,
amid growing concerns about a drop in demand for its primary products.
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The manufacturer of iPhones has been excluded from the modified list, consisting of 20 to 25 stocks,
which has been part of Goldman’s strategy since last June.
Apple experienced a slight stability in its stock price during this period, while the S&P 500 index rose by approximately 22%.
Following its removal from the list, Apple’s stock dropped by 0.6% last Friday.
It’s worth noting that Apple has lagged behind its counterparts in the “Fabulous Seven” group, except for Tesla,
due to increasing concerns about a continuous decline in iPhone sales, especially amidst the ongoing economic crises in China.
Regarding stock evaluation, Goldman Sachs clarified that the modified list undergoes monthly reviews,
removing stocks that no longer hold significant investment appeal.
On the other hand, analyst Michael Ng remains optimistic about Apple’s stocks, maintaining their classification as “Buy,”
emphasizing that the quality of Apple’s operating system and the strength of its revenues may compensate for the slowdown in product
revenue growth and the clarity of vision.
Goldman Sachs removes Apple’s stocks from its preferred list
Trading Commodities in Qatar
Commodity trading refers to the process of buying and selling contracts related to essential commodities such as oil, gold, silver, wheat, and more.
This type of trading allows investors to capitalize on fluctuations in commodity prices without the need to own the actual physical goods.
Commodity futures contracts are traded through financial markets, with the contract value determined based on the price of the underlying commodity.
Traders can profit from both rising and falling commodity prices, depending on market trends and trading strategies.
Commodity contracts are traded through financial brokerage platforms, including Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and Futures contracts.
Investors must be aware of the risks associated with this type of trading and adopt prudent trading strategies.
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Trading commodity contracts provides several opportunities for investors, including:
Diversification of Investment:
Commodity trading allows investors to diversify their portfolios better, benefiting from various markets, including oil, gold, silver, wheat, and other commodities.
Profit from Price Volatility:
Commodity markets are characterized by high volatility, and traders can take advantage of these fluctuations to profit from price movements.
Asset Protection:
Investors can use commodity futures trading as a means to protect their assets from price fluctuations, especially if they rely on these commodities in their business or production operations.
Profit Opportunities from Short Engagement:
Commodity futures trading offers investors the opportunity to profit from short engagements, allowing them to bet on declining commodity prices and earn profits accordingly.
Cost Savings:
When trading commodity contracts, there is no need to own the actual commodities, reducing the costs associated with storing and transporting physical goods.
Time Savings:
Investors can save time as they do not need to monitor shipping and storage operations and logistical issues associated with owning physical commodities.
Despite these opportunities, investors must be cautious, fully understanding the risks associated with commodity futures trading and adopting suitable trading strategies for their goals and risk tolerance.
While there are opportunities available in trading commodity contracts, there are potential challenges that investors may face, including:
Market Volatility:
Commodity markets can be highly volatile, potentially leading to significant losses if risk management is not handled correctly.
Geopolitical and Political Effects:
Commodity prices may be influenced by changes in geopolitical conditions or political events, making price predictions challenging.
Environmental Effects:
Some commodities are susceptible to environmental changes, such as natural disasters and climate change, which can affect the availability and prices of those commodities.
Costs and Fees:
Trading commodity contracts may involve additional costs, such as interest and fees imposed by trading platforms, which can be a significant factor affecting net financial returns.
Changes in Trading Regulations:
Changes in trading regulations and policies may have significant effects on commodity trading, impacting market dynamics.
Global Economic Implications:
Global economic events, such as economic recessions or trade tensions, can significantly impact commodity prices.
Market Manipulation:
Market manipulation or disruptions may occur, leading to unexpected changes in prices.
Investors should be aware of these challenges and take prudent measures to deal with potential risks associated with commodity trading.
Trading commodity contracts differs from trading currencies (Forex) in several aspects. Here are some features that distinguish commodity futures trading:
Nature of the Asset:
Commodity trading focuses on movements in the prices of underlying commodities such as oil, gold, and silver. In contrast, Forex trading revolves around the exchange of foreign currencies.
Volatility and Economic Events:
Commodity markets experience strong volatility due to economic and geopolitical events, such as changes in supply and demand and weather conditions. Forex trading may be less volatile at times.
Physical Commodities:
In commodity futures trading, there is a direct connection to physical commodities, but the actual trader does not own the physical goods. Forex trading involves the exchange of currency pairs without owning the actual currencies.
Environmental Impacts:
Changes in the environment, such as natural disasters and climate change, can affect commodity prices. Forex trading relies more on economic events.
Fees and Margins:
Trading fees and margin requirements may vary between commodity markets and the Forex market, impacting the overall cost of trading.
Diversification Opportunities:
Commodity trading provides an opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios by investing in different assets compared to those available in the currency markets.
Despite these differences, each type of trading is effective in its own way, and the choice depends on the individual trader’s goals and needs.
Trading Commodities in Qatar
Legal Scrutiny Threatens X and Tech Giants in the European Union
“X,” a company affiliated with Elon Musk,
is undergoing a detailed analysis under the framework of the European law for digital markets,
which also encompasses tech giants like Google, Safari, Amazon, and Facebook.
This law aims to combat competition violations committed by these companies.
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X and other targeted companies may face new regulations in the European Union,
as they informed regulatory authorities of their compliance with the Digital Markets Act.
The enforcement of this law is expected to commence next Thursday,
covering several companies, including Google Search, Safari, Amazon.com, and the Facebook platform.
Possible regulations for X and other targeted companies include preventing favoritism towards their own services over competitors,
prohibiting the integration of personal data across their various services,
and restricting the use of data collected from external merchants for competitive purposes.
These measures are part of a law designed to address competition violations by technology companies,
applying to those with significant influence in the European Union market,
serving over 45 million active users monthly and 10,000 commercial users annually.
The regulatory authority in Brussels will assess the application of these rules on X,
Booking.com, and ByteDance within a 45-working-day period.
The concerned companies have not yet responded to requests for comments outside working hours.
ByteDance previously lost a legal case attempting to halt the implementation of the new rules.”
Legal Scrutiny Threatens X and Tech Giants in the European Union
Meta enters into competition in the field of artificial intelligence: During his tour in Asia, which began in Japan,
Mark Zuckerberg discussed strategic cooperation methods
between Meta Platforms and LG Electronics in various extended reality (XR) technologies,
including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
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Collaboration with LG Electronics
Competing in Artificial Intelligence
LG Invests in New Technologies
The CEO of Meta discussed business strategies for extended reality devices
with the CEO of LG Electronics for two hours,
focusing on the second phase beyond virtual and augmented reality devices like the Oculus Quest headset.
LG Electronics stated in a press release that they discussed Meta’s
large language models (LLMs) and the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence into consumer devices.
The company also explored how platforms like Meta
could align LG content and television business to create a “unique ecosystem.”
Artificial intelligence and devices like the Oculus Quest
were the primary topics on Zuckerberg’s agenda during his tour.
Meta plans to invest in artificial intelligence and expand its presence in devices like Apple’s “Apple Vision Yero.”
Zuckerberg is expected to engage with Samsung Electronics,
the perennial competitor of LG Electronics, which has collaborated with Meta in virtual reality.
Zuckerberg returns to the city where Meta competes, extending
its activities from Facebook to Instagram, racing against OpenAI,
Microsoft, and even Alphabet in artificial intelligence.
Meta’s entry into the field of artificial intelligence requires a significant
number of chips from Nvidia and investing in “massive computer infrastructure.”
LG, one of the largest companies in consumer electronics,
pledged to invest $7.6 billion in new fields and technologies such as electric cars.
Cho stated that the Korean company, which manufactures everything from home appliances to smartphones,
has doubled its spending despite global economic uncertainty.
According to Counterpoint Research, Meta, still the leader in virtual reality headset manufacturing,
owns nearly half the market. However, it’s losing a lot and now faces competition from Apple.
New Merger Deal Between Disney and Reliance
Disney and Reliance Industries Limited have announced a binding agreement to merge their media operations in India,
marking a strategic shift worth $8.5 billion.
This merger is expected to create one of the largest entertainment companies in India,
posing a significant competition to global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
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Enhanced Broadcasting Strategy
Under the agreement, Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani will control 60% of the new entity,
while Walt Disney Company will hold 36.84%.
Additionally, Reliance will inject an additional $1.4 billion as capital for growth.
The joint venture will secure exclusive distribution rights for Disney films and content in India, including over 30,000 media assets.
The deal is anticipated to be finalized in the last quarter of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025.
This move signifies a crucial strategic shift for Disney in its quest to attract audiences in South Asia, where the population exceeds 1.4 billion.
It also reflects the challenges faced by global entertainment companies in succeeding in this competitive market.
Moreover, the merger strengthens Reliance’s position in the Indian media sector,
leveraging its expertise in sports broadcasting and its platform Jio Cinema.
Nita Ambani is expected to lead the joint venture, with Aditya Shankar serving as Vice President.
This development follows Reliance’s recent triumph over Disney in securing broadcast rights for the lucrative Indian Premier League cricket tournament in 2022.
Reliance further solidified its standing by acquiring long-term broadcasting rights for HBO shows,
enhancing its position in the streaming market.
New Merger Deal Between Disney and Reliance
Oil Contracts in Bahrain
Trading oil contracts online is considered a common and effective way to invest in oil,
and you can do so in Bahrain through Contract for Difference (CFD) trading platforms.
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Opening a Trading Account:
Open an online trading account with Everest. You will need to go through the registration process, provide some personal information, and possibly verify your identity.
Deposit and Account Management:
Deposit funds into your trading account. After that, you can manage your account, monitor your performance, and track prices through the provided trading platform.
Choosing oil Contracts:
Once your trading account is open, look for available oil CFDs on the platform and choose contracts that align with your strategy and interests.
Placing Orders:
You can place buy or sell orders based on your expectations regarding oil price movements. CFD trading allows you to benefit from price movements in both directions (upward or downward).
Risk Management:
Define a risk management strategy and use stop-loss and take-profit orders to protect your capital.
Investing in Upward and Downward Movements:
Portfolio Diversification:
Leverage Effect:
Market Risks:
Global Events Impact:
Regulations and Controls:
Technical and Fundamental Analysis:
To achieve success in trading oil contracts in Bahrain, it is advisable to have a deep understanding of the market and a high level of risk awareness.
Always be mindful of the risks associated with CFD trading and the importance of understanding the terms and conditions.
Additionally, researching and consulting analysts’ opinions about the market before making any decisions is recommended.
Oil Contracts in Bahrain
Zoom stocks are on the rise after surpassing sales expectations
The company announced quarterly results that exceeded analysts’ predictions,
indicating strong support from corporate clients for Zoom’s software services.
The stocks surged by over 10% after the official market closing.
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In a strategic move, the company revealed a plan to repurchase stocks worth $1.5 billion, reflecting its success in the business market. This announcement follows the expiration of a previous authorization of $1 billion earlier this month.
Quarterly results showed a 2.6% increase in sales, reaching $1.15 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. Profit also increased by $1.42 per share, compared to the expected $1.15.
Commenting on this performance, Michael Toren, an analyst at Wells Fargo, noted that the new stock repurchase is a response to the uncertainty and may impact the company’s ability to negotiate large acquisition deals in the future.
Amid slowing Zoom sales due to increased competition, the company expanded its product line by adding phone systems, call center services, and artificial intelligence assistants, aiming to attract more corporate clients.
Revenue from enterprise customers increased by 4.9%, totaling $667.3 million, with over 220,400 corporate clients, including 3,810 contributing over $100,000 in revenue over the past year.
Despite a decline in online sales to regular consumers and small businesses, Zoom plans to continue its strategy with stock repurchases and is actively exploring merger and acquisition opportunities to enhance future growth and meet customer needs.
Finally, Zoom expects revenues of approximately $4.6 billion for the fiscal year ending in January 2025, with improved earnings per share, reflecting confidence in the company’s long-term success.
Zoom stocks are on the rise after surpassing sales expectations
