ADNOC Distribution to Join MSCI Emerging Index

ADNOC Distribution hopes that joining the MSCI will attract foreign investors, which will support the diversification of the company’s investor base (WAM).
ADNOC Distribution hopes that joining the MSCI will attract foreign investors, which will support the diversification of the company’s investor base (WAM).
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ADNOC Distribution to Join MSCI Emerging Index

ADNOC Distribution hopes that joining the MSCI will attract foreign investors, which will support the diversification of the company’s investor base (WAM).
ADNOC Distribution hopes that joining the MSCI will attract foreign investors, which will support the diversification of the company’s investor base (WAM).

ADNOC Distribution, the UAE's largest fuel retailer, said on Wednesday that it will join the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets index from May 27.

The fuel retailer will join nine other UAE-listed companies that are part of the index.

ADNOC Distribution's inclusion is expected to increase the attractiveness of its shares to potential international investors and help diversify the company’s investor base, the company said.

"Being included on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index is an important milestone in ADNOC Distribution’s thriving equity narrative," said Ahmed Al Shamsi, acting chief executive of ADNOC Distribution.

The inclusion in the index also reflected "the company's ability to grow", he added.

Profit for the first three months of the year reached AED631 million ($171.8 million).

ADNOC Distribution has also expanded beyond its home market of the UAE in recent years. The company plans to accelerate delivery momentum and open a total of 70 to 80 new stations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia by year-end, it said earlier this month.

It plans to open another 30 to 45 units in the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, the company is building on earlier agreements to acquire fuel stations that will expand its portfolio in the country to 37 units.



Gold Gains as Dollar Slips on Trump Tariff Uncertainty

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)
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Gold Gains as Dollar Slips on Trump Tariff Uncertainty

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 rose on Tuesday as the US dollar eased due to uncertainty around President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans, with further support coming from top consumer China's central bank adding to its gold reserves for a second straight month.

Spot gold was up 0.5% at $2,648.75 per ounce, as of 1218 GMT. US gold futures also rose 0.5% to $2,660.20.

"The main factor is the softening of the US dollar over the last two sessions, which has provided some relief for the precious metal," said Ricardo Evangelista, senior analyst at ActivTrades.

The dollar index eased towards a one-week low versus major peers as traders considered whether President-elect Donald Trump's tariffs would be less aggressive than promised following a report in the Washington Post, Reuters reported.

Trump however denied the report, deepening uncertainty about future US trade policies.

A stronger dollar makes bullion more expensive for other currency holders.

Traders are setting their sights on Friday's US jobs report for Fed policy clues, along with job openings data due later in the day, ADP employment and the minutes from the Fed's December meeting on Wednesday.

Fed Governor Lisa Cook on Monday said that the Fed can be cautious about any further rate cuts given a solid economy and inflation proving stickier than previously expected.

Bullion is considered a hedge against inflation, but high rates reduce the non-yielding asset's appeal.

Meanwhile, China's gold reserves stood at 73.29 million fine troy ounces at the end of December as the central bank kept buying gold for a second straight month, official data showed.

"By re-entering the market in December, Beijing signaled that its gold acquisition program remains active—a development likely to lend continued support to the precious metal's price," Evangelista added.

Gold prices gained about 27% in 2024, mainly boosted by robust central bank purchases and Fed rate cuts.

Spot silver gained 0.8% to $30.19 per ounce, platinum added 1.2% to $944.39 and palladium rose 0.9% to $928.38.