JP Morgan: Diverse Assets Can Weather Expected Recession

Steven Rees, the Managing Director of Investments for the Middle East and North Africa at JP Morgan Private Bank
Steven Rees, the Managing Director of Investments for the Middle East and North Africa at JP Morgan Private Bank
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JP Morgan: Diverse Assets Can Weather Expected Recession

Steven Rees, the Managing Director of Investments for the Middle East and North Africa at JP Morgan Private Bank
Steven Rees, the Managing Director of Investments for the Middle East and North Africa at JP Morgan Private Bank

Nowadays, the global economy is facing numerous threats that cannot be ignored. The US banking sector has experienced significant disruptions, while markets in Europe continue to grapple with rising inflation rates and the devastating effects of the ongoing Ukraine war.

Steven Rees, the Managing Director of Investments for the Middle East and North Africa at JP Morgan Private Bank, concurs with the market consensus that the US will likely face a recession in the next 6-12 months.

However, in a report sent to Asharq Al-Awsat, Rees expressed belief that diversified investment portfolios can continue to yield strong returns as the world approaches 2024.

Rees also pointed out that the worst of the stock market downturn has passed.

Regardless of the possibility of an economic recession, Rees ruled out the stock market dipping to the same levels it saw in October 2022.

According to Rees, expectations are based on several factors, including corporate profit growth, which plays a more significant role in stock market gains than many realize.

Although there’s been a slight decline in profits and their margins from their peak levels, and demand growth is slowing, corporate sales remain robust, revealed Rees.

Transportation and energy costs are low, and the dollar is weak, coupled with a less competitive job market environment, he further elaborated.

As a result, analysts’ projections for corporate earnings over the next 12 months have risen in the US, Europe, and China, Rees emphasized.

Moreover, Rees said that promising opportunities are present globally in various areas. These include investment strategies focused on companies with growth in dividend distributions, the shift towards clean energy, and the next wave of digital innovations.

Considering the diverse sectors, Rees added that healthcare and technology companies, particularly with many leading firms operating in the Middle East region, are favored.

Rees emphasized that the essence of investing revolves around constructing portfolios resilient to various types of risks in the long run.

He remarked that it might be premature to label the market as a new bull run, but added that he doesn’t believe it’s in a bearish phase either. Stocks have the potential for steady appreciation, while bonds can offer return stability.

Alternative investments also open the door to a plethora of investment opportunities, stressed Rees.

He further underscored that all these options have the capability to outperform cash in the long term, regardless of the occurrence of an economic recession.



Apple Expands its Presence in Saudi Arabia with Launch of Arabic Online Store  

A concept image of the Apple Store. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A concept image of the Apple Store. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Apple Expands its Presence in Saudi Arabia with Launch of Arabic Online Store  

A concept image of the Apple Store. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A concept image of the Apple Store. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Apple has officially launched its online store in Arabic for customers in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy for the region. The move also aligns with its plans to open a physical retail store in the Kingdom as part of a broader effort to deepen its regional presence.

According to Deirdre O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Retail and People at Apple, this step reflects the company’s growing commitment to Saudi Arabia and its rapidly expanding customer base.

The Arabic-language store is now accessible through Apple’s website and via the Apple Store app on smart devices.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, O’Brien expressed strong enthusiasm about bringing the Apple retail experience to Saudi Arabia. She emphasized the company’s longstanding presence in the Kingdom and noted that Saudi customers are deeply passionate about Apple products. This launch, she said, will help strengthen Apple’s direct relationship with communities across the country.

She also explained that both the online store and the upcoming physical location are part of Apple’s broader strategy in the Middle East. The company already operates several retail locations in the United Arab Emirates and continues to see strong demand for its products across the Gulf.

Investing in local economy

When asked about Apple’s investment in the Saudi economy, O’Brien pointed to initiatives such as the Apple Developer Academy, which is focused on nurturing and empowering local talent.

She described the company’s investment as one that aims to inspire individuals and support creativity. By combining Apple’s technology with passionate communities, she said, remarkable things can be achieved.

Apple has tailored the online store to meet the specific needs of Saudi customers. Features include live chat with Apple specialists in Arabic, customizable product options for devices like Mac and Apple Watch, and the ability to engrave AirPods and other accessories in Arabic or with emojis.

O’Brien highlighted the importance of making the full Apple experience accessible to customers in Saudi Arabia both online and in-store. She also noted that Apple offers device trade-in programs to accommodate users from different segments.

With e-commerce on the rise in Saudi Arabia, Apple is aiming to deliver a seamless shopping journey that blends both digital and physical experiences. O’Brien stated that Apple’s retail model has been designed to reflect modern shopping behavior, where customers move easily between online and in-store interactions. Whether a purchase begins online and ends in a store, or vice versa, Apple aims to provide consistent, high-quality support throughout.

Landmark store in Riyadh

Apple’s first physical store in Saudi Arabia is set to open in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent cultural destination in Riyadh.

O’Brien described Diriyah as a unique and special location. She said Apple is committed to ensuring each of its stores reflects the local identity and culture, and that the new store in Saudi Arabia will be no exception.

She encouraged local customers to visit once the store opens, expressing confidence that the experience will be both unique and memorable.

Retail services

Apple is continuing to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia by focusing on innovation, engaging more closely with the local community, and delivering a retail experience designed to support and serve users throughout the Kingdom.

The new Arabic online store allows Saudi customers to browse and purchase Apple’s full product lineup. The experience is personalized, offering product recommendations based on the customer’s current devices. Customers can also compare models, access saved items, and track orders directly through the app.

For the first time, Apple is offering free consultations in Arabic and English through the Saudi store website. These sessions allow users to personalize products like AirPods, Apple Pencil, and AirTag with Arabic or English text and numbers, enhancing the individuality of each device.

Apple’s retail offering also includes pre-purchase support through chat and phone to help users find the best product for their needs. Post-purchase, the company provides services like personalized setup, secure data transfer for those switching to iOS, and eSIM activation.

As part of its long-term strategy, Apple has announced plans to open its first flagship retail store in Saudi Arabia by 2026. This store will be the first in a broader rollout of retail locations across the Kingdom.