Saudi Railways Merger is a Step to Boost Transport Sector Privatization

Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed
Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed
TT

Saudi Railways Merger is a Step to Boost Transport Sector Privatization

Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed
Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed

The merger between Saudi Railway Co. (SAR) and Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) is an important step in privatizing some of the transport sector works, said Saudi Minister of Transport and SAR chairman Saleh Bin Nasser Al Jasser.

The merger will contribute to raising efficiency and flexibility and will enhance the effectiveness of services to achieve an optimal investment of resources, Al Jasser said, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The merger will also open up broader development horizons in operation and investment in a way that will reflect positively on the services provided to the beneficiaries of passengers, institutions, and various entities.

"This will positively reflect on the national economy, enhance the capabilities of local content, and increase job opportunities in the transport sector," the minister added.

For his part, SAR CEO Bashar Al Malik confirmed that the merger will enhance SAR’s capabilities and open up prospects for local and foreign investors in diverse fields, including manufacturing, operations, implementation, research and development, and others.

It will also enhance the local content in these projects with the active participation of the private sector, he added.



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.