First Iraqi Bank Branch Opens in Saudi Arabia

via AAAWSAT AR.
via AAAWSAT AR.
TT

First Iraqi Bank Branch Opens in Saudi Arabia

via AAAWSAT AR.
via AAAWSAT AR.

Riyadh witnessed on Thursday the opening of "The Trade Bank of Iraq" (TBI), which was launched on the sidelines of the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi who was accompanied by a large delegation to Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance opened the branch which is the first in the Kingdom. It will begin operating officially in mid-May.

The Deputy Prime Minister was joined by Ahmed Al Khulaifi, governor of SAMA.

For his part, Hussein said: “This is a hugely significant day for the financial sector of Iraq and the country as a whole.

“This is an important step towards reinforcing our relationship with the Saudi government and we look forward to advance bilateral ties between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.”

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a press statement following the meeting between King Salman and Mahdi highlighting the strong historical ties between the two sisterly countries and stressing the importance of investing the great potentialities and opportunities to enhance the existing cooperation.

Mahdi also met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

They discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and the latest developments at regional and international arenas.

The two sides also agreed to continue consultation and coordination to enhance the unity of Arab ranks and the joint Arab action.



Gold Firms in Thin Trade as Investors Weigh Fed Outlook

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
TT

Gold Firms in Thin Trade as Investors Weigh Fed Outlook

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

Gold prices firmed on Monday, although trading was thin due to the holiday season and as investors looked for cues on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy trajectory for next year after it signaled gradual easing in its latest meeting.
Spot gold added 0.3% at $2,628.63 per ounce, as of 0941 GMT, trading in a narrow $16 range. US gold futures eased 0.1% to $2,643.10.
"(It's a) Quiet day with lower liquidity and limited data releases during the holiday season," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
"We retain a constructive outlook for gold in 2025, targeting a move to $2,800/oz by mid-2025."
The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points on Dec. 18, although the central bank's predictions of fewer rate cuts in 2025 resulted in a decline in gold prices to their lowest level since Nov. 18 last week.
US consumer spending increased in November, supporting the Fed's hawkish stance, a sentiment that was also shared by San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly.
Higher interest rates dull non-yielding bullion's appeal.
"Presently, we are in a lull for Christmas week with the gold price trending sideways. Federal Reserve policy is clear with expectations of rising interest rates in the second half of the year," said Michael Langford, chief investment officer at Scorpion Minerals.
"The next big impact is the incoming presidency of (Donald) Trump and the initial presidential decrees that he might declare. This has the potential to add to market volatility and be bullish for gold prices."
Gold, often considered a safe-haven asset, typically performs well during economic uncertainties.
Spot silver rose 0.8% to $29.75 per ounce and platinum climbed 1.3% to $938.43. Palladium steadied at $920.53.