Markets

Emirates NBD secures $750m AT1 bond in first GCC debt deal since February

Miguel Hadchity 30/04/2026

Photo credit: WAM Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — Emirates NBD has successfully priced a $750 million Additional Tier 1 capital issuance, marking the first debt capital market transaction from a GCC corporate or financial institution since late February 2026. According to the Emirates News Agency,

Automotive Markets

China and Vietnam dominate the Southeast Asia EV market

Arnold Pinto 02/09/2025

As sales double in Q2 2025 Electric vehicle sales across Southeast Asia more than doubled in the second quarter of 2025, driven by rapid growth from Chinese and Vietnamese automakers, as well as a shift in regional consumer demand towards lower-emission transport. According to data from Counterpoint Research, electric vehicle (EV) sales — including both […]

Automotive Markets

Vehicle theft surges in US Western states

Arnold Pinto 17/08/2025

Colorado tops national rankings A new study has named Colorado the worst state in the United States for vehicle crime, highlighting a growing trend of car theft and break-ins concentrated in Western states. The report shows that vehicle-related crime is not limited to major urban centres and is increasingly influenced by geography, infrastructure, and enforcement […]

Events Markets Watches

66 global brands to exhibit the passage of time and more at 2025 Geneva Watch Days

Arnold Pinto 15/07/2025

From September 4-7 Geneva Watch Days is set to take place from September 4-7, 2025, marking its sixth edition and drawing unprecedented participation from premium watchmakers worldwide in a decentralised format that spans the Geneva city centre. Each year, Geneva Watch Days brings together independent brands, visionary creators, industry professionals, and passionate

Business Markets Watches

Swiss watch exports drop 2.8% in 2024 amid China slump

Arnold Pinto 12/07/2025

And shifting global demand Swiss watch exports declined by 2.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 26.0 billion Swiss francs (CHF), as weak demand in Asia, particularly in China and Hong Kong, impacted the global market. The decline marks a notable shift for an industry that had previously demonstrated steady recovery since the […]

Business Finance Markets

Global public debt burden reached $102 trillion in 2024

Arnold Pinto 07/07/2025

UNCTAD: Time for reform The global public debt burden reached an all-time high of $102 trillion in 2024, according to a new United Nations report titled ‘A world of debt’. With developing countries carrying a disproportionate share of the financial strain, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned that unsustainable debt levels […]

Markets Tech

Canada orders China’s Hikvision to cease operations in the country

News Desk 30/06/2025

Citing national security concerns The Canadian government has directed Chinese surveillance camera maker Hikvision to cease all operations in Canada, citing national security concerns, according to Canada’s Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Joly, in a post on X late last week, stated that the order followed a “multi-step review” under the Investment Canada Act, which

BREAKING NEWS Markets

Trump announces US travel ban on 19 nations

Arnold Pinto 05/06/2025

Due to terror threats, weak immigration controls US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation significantly expanding restrictions on immigration from 19 countries, claiming the measures are essential to protect national security and public safety. The move follows an updated security review and marks a return to one of Trump’s most controversial first-term

Energy Markets

Iceland tops global energy resilience rankings

Arnold Pinto 08/05/2025

Study analyses 79 nations Iceland is the most energy-resilient country in the world, according to a new global study launched after a catastrophic blackout on April 28, 2025, plunged parts of Spain and Portugal into darkness. The research, conducted by TRG Datacenters, analysed energy systems in 79 nations and ranked their ability to recover from […]

Aviation Markets

China and India begin cautious talks to restart direct flights

Arnold Pinto 26/04/2025

In changing aviation landscape After a four-year hiatus, China and India have opened discussions on reinstating direct air services between the two Asian powerhouses. This move could mark a turning point for two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets. Direct flights between the countries were suspended in 2020 due to the twin disruptions […]

Aviation Markets

Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports set for $240 billion investment boost

Arnold Pinto 22/04/2025

Between 2025 and 2035 Airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are preparing for a major transformation, with a $240 billion investment programme set to reshape air travel infrastructure between 2025 and 2035. According to a new study by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), a strategic blend of […]

Business Markets

UAE and EU forge ahead with free trade agreement negotiations

News Desk 15/04/2025

In boost to businesses In a significant move to enhance economic ties, the European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to initiate negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). The decision aims to enhance trade relations, stimulate investment, and foster collaboration across key sectors between the two regions. The proposed […]

Business Markets

Global gold demand rose in 2024, boosted by central banks’ buying

Arnold Pinto 14/04/2025

And strong investment demand The World Gold Council’s Gold Demand Trends report for Q4 and the full year 2024 highlights an exceptional surge in global gold demand, marking a new all-time high of 4,974 tonnes. The increase was primarily driven by robust and sustained central bank purchasing activity, alongside strong growth in investment demand. Record-high […]

Markets

Respect defines the Spanish ceramic tile industry in 2025

Arnold Pinto 06/03/2025

ASCER continues to lead from the front VALENCIA, SPAIN — In 2025, the Spanish ceramic tiles industry distinguishes itself from the global competition through respect, a profoundly ingrained, unique European trait. This was the overarching message delivered to journalists from more than 24 countries attending a press conference hosted by ASCER – the Spanish Ceramic […]

Markets

Smartphone market recovered in 2024 after 2 years of decline

Arnold Pinto 12/02/2025

Led by Samsung and Apple Global smartphone sales increased 4% year over year in 2024, marking a significant recovery after two years of decline. According to Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse, the market bounced back after its weakest performance in a decade in 2023, driven by improving consumer sentiment and stabilising macroeconomic conditions. The recovery was […]

Business Markets

India’s smartphone market posts 9% revenue growth in 2024

Arnold Pinto 31/01/2025

Driven by premium segment According to Counterpoint’s Monthly India Smartphone Tracker, the Indian smartphone market saw a significant surge in wholesale revenue in 2024, reaching a record high with a 9% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Despite a modest 1% YoY shipment increase, totalling 153 million units, the market shifted towards more expensive devices, driving up

Markets

US imposes visa restrictions on Colombian government officials

Arnold Pinto 28/01/2025

Following repatriation flights dispute US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorised a series of visa restrictions on Colombian government officials and their immediate family members in response to the country’s refusal to accept repatriation flights for its citizens. The move follows a diplomatic dispute in which Colombian President Gustavo Petro withdrew his

Markets

Offline versus online promotional media

News Desk 27/01/2025

Which drives better consumer engagement? In an era dominated by digital marketing, businesses increasingly turn to online platforms like mobile apps, social media, and direct email to reach consumers. However, recent research suggests that traditional offline marketing techniques like printed coupons might still have a significant edge in driving consumer behaviour. A team

Markets Travel

UN Tourism and CAF to promote regional tourism in the Americas

News Desk 23/01/2025

MoU signed in Madrid The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has entered into a new collaboration with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The partnership promotes Latin America’s rich tourism potential while fostering sustainable development. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and CAF Executive President Sergio

Markets

Donald Trump vows to defend the United States

News Desk 22/01/2025

At his inaugural ceremony In his inaugural address on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the United States. He declared that his top priority as commander-in-chief would be protecting the country from external threats and invasions. “As Commander-in-Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from