Saudi Fund for Development, Seychelles Sign $25 Million Development Loans

The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA
The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA
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Saudi Fund for Development, Seychelles Sign $25 Million Development Loans

The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA
The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA

CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed on Friday two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade Naadir Hassan.

Through the loans, the SFD is contributing $25 million to support the social housing project in the Seychelles and the reconstruction of La Digue School project.

The first loan agreement worth $15 million will contribute to establishing residential buildings for low-income families in various regions of the country.

The second agreement worth $10 million will help provide a modern educational environment in the Seychelles.

Since its establishment in 1974, the SFD has implemented 700 development projects and programs in more than 90 countries with a value surpassing $18.7 billion.



Gold Hits Three-week Peak on Softer Dollar and Safe Haven Inflows

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
TT

Gold Hits Three-week Peak on Softer Dollar and Safe Haven Inflows

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices touched their highest level in three weeks on Friday supported by a softer dollar and safe-haven buying, while markets braced for potential economic and interest rate changes from US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed policies.

Spot gold was little changed at $2,658.11 per ounce, as of 1115 GMT, hitting its highest level since Dec. 13. Bullion is up about 1.5% for the week so far.

US gold futures were steady at $2,672.20.

The dollar index fell 0.3% from over a two-year high hit in the previous session, making dollar-priced bullion more affordable for holders of other currencies, Reuters reported.

"Gold bulls are setting the tone early doors this year, enjoying the lift from safe haven bids while riskier equities struggle to hold on to nascent gains," said Exinity Group Chief Market Analyst Han Tan.

On the geopolitical front, in Gaza Israeli airstrikes killed at least 68 Palestinians, Gaza authorities said. While, Russia launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Wednesday, city officials said.

Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 has heightened uncertainty, with his proposed tariffs and protectionist policies expected by many economists to be inflationary and potentially spark trade wars.

"Markets are aware that Trump's policies risk reawakening US inflationary impulses, which should be a boon for gold so long as markets adhere to the precious metal’s role as an inflation hedge," Tan added.

Bullion, which is considered a hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainties, tends to thrive in lower interest rate environment.

After delivering three consecutive interest rate cuts in 2024, the US central bank now projects only two reductions in 2025 due to due to stubbornly high inflation.

Spot silver rose 0.6% to $29.75 per ounce.

"Lower real US yields and stronger global industrial production should favor the metal in 2025," UBS said in a note, adding that they see silver to trade between $36-38/oz in 2025.

Platinum added 0.8% to $930.09, and palladium gained 1.2% to $922.58. Both metals were on track for weekly gains.