Saudi Communications Ministry Unveils 2nd Phase of Source Tech Initiative to Boost Digital Economy

The Saudi flag
The Saudi flag
TT

Saudi Communications Ministry Unveils 2nd Phase of Source Tech Initiative to Boost Digital Economy

The Saudi flag
The Saudi flag

The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has announced the start of the second phase of the Source Tech initiative, which is part of efforts to boost the Saudi digital economy.
This phase's launch follows the initiative's success in its first stage, which established more than 15 tech centers in six regions across Saudi Arabia.
The initiative aims to maximize cooperation with the private sector to localize application and software development, outsourcing, and communication services within the Kingdom.
The initiative is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to develop the digital economy, create job opportunities, and enhance technical skills for the youth in various Saudi regions.
In its second phase, the initiative seeks to further expand the number of technology centers, in partnership with the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), further enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global digital hub based on technology and innovation.
Additionally, it aims to strengthen continuous digital transformation efforts and support a wide range of leading technology companies that effectively contribute to achieving strategic goals and supporting digital economic growth.



Gold Edges Up on Softer Dollar; Focus on US Inflation Data

Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
TT

Gold Edges Up on Softer Dollar; Focus on US Inflation Data

Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold prices inched up on Wednesday as the US dollar eased, while investors' focus shifted to key inflation data from the world's biggest economy for cues on the likely scale of a Federal Reserve rate cut next month.
Spot gold rose 0.3% to $2,639.30 per ounce, as of 0523 GMT. Bullion hit an over one-week low on Tuesday.
US gold futures rose 0.7% to $2,639.40.
The dollar index was down 0.1%, boosting gold's appeal for holders of other currencies. The greenback fell to a near one-week low on Tuesday.
"Gold has been fluctuating alongside dollar volatility. However, in the Asian session, the price movement has been marginal," said Kyle Rodda, financial market analyst at Capital.com.
"In the long run, I think Trump's trade war may be positive for gold because of higher debt loads and a touch of dedollarization," Rodda said.
Investors digested a handful of economic data on Tuesday indicating the economy remained on solid footing.
Traders will now closely monitor core PCE figures, initial jobless claims and GDP (first revision), set for release later in the day.
Markets currently see a 63% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut by the Fed in December, as per the CME group's FedWatch tool.
Trump's appointments and policies that pressure the Fed, increase deficits, escalate tariffs, or raise concerns about US financial sustainability could collectively support gold prices, said Daan Struyven, co-head of global commodities research at Goldman Sachs.
Elsewhere, China's net gold imports via Hong Kong in October fell from September and were down 43% from the previous year, data showed.
On the geopolitical front, US-France brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah took effect at 0200 GMT on Wednesday.
Spot silver edged 0.2% higher to $30.47 per ounce, platinum fell 0.1% to $926.74 and palladium added 0.3% to $980.55