Investment Ministry: Development of Local Investments is Major Catalyst of Saudi Economy

Dr. Saad Alshahrani participates in a session at the Priority Summit in Miami. Asharq Al-Awsat
Dr. Saad Alshahrani participates in a session at the Priority Summit in Miami. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Investment Ministry: Development of Local Investments is Major Catalyst of Saudi Economy

Dr. Saad Alshahrani participates in a session at the Priority Summit in Miami. Asharq Al-Awsat
Dr. Saad Alshahrani participates in a session at the Priority Summit in Miami. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Investment Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs and Investment Studies, Dr. Saad Alshahrani, has stressed that the development of local investments is a major driver of the Saudi economy, pointing out that the economic performance of the Gulf region and the Middle East has made it attract more foreign investments.

He cited the significant growth achieved by the Kingdom in the last three years in the volume of local and foreign investments.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency during his participation in the Priority Summit in Miami, Al-Shahrani pointed out that fixed capital formation achieved a growth of 29% in 2022.
The number of issued investment licenses in recent years, reached nearly 9,000 licenses issued during 2023 while previously, it did not exceed 400 licenses.

The investment opportunities before launching the National Investment Strategy (NIS) were approximately 200, and today there are approximately 1,600 investment opportunities in different quality industries and multiple regions in the Kingdom, through 40 initiatives and four pillars.
Al-Shahrani said that the National Investment Strategy signifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversifying its economy and catalyzing growth through strategic investments, adding that the comprehensive incentives program, including 30-year tax exemptions, showcases Saudi Arabia's determination to attract and support global investors in key sectors like manufacturing and technology.



Gold Advances as Softer Core CPI Data Revives Fed Easing Hopes

A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Gold Advances as Softer Core CPI Data Revives Fed Easing Hopes

A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)

Gold prices extended gains on Wednesday, as the dollar dipped after US core inflation data came in softer than expected, abating inflation pressures and rekindling expectations that the Federal Reserve's easing cycle may not be over yet.

Spot gold gained 0.4% to $2,688.19 per ounce by 0915 a.m. ET (1415 GMT). US gold futures were up 1.1% to $2,711.40.

Excluding volatile food and energy components, core CPI increased 3.2% on an annual basis, compared with an expected 3.3% rise, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

"Core CPI came in a little bit below expectations. This is a bit of a positive for gold... The corollary to this is that the Fed will not necessarily exclude the possibility of cutting rates," said Bart Melek, head of commodity strategies at TD Securities.

"The probability of a rate cut in January is kind of nothing, but we are pricing some rate cuts by the end of the year here."

Markets now expect the Fed to deliver 40 basis points (bps) worth of rate cuts by year-end, compared with about 31 bps before the inflation data.

The dollar index eased 0.4%, making bullion more attractive for other currency holders. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yields also slipped.

Investors are worried that the potential for tariffs after President-elect Donald Trump re-enters the White House next week could stoke inflation and limit the Fed's ability to lower rates to a greater extent.

Non-yielding bullion is considered a hedge against inflation, although higher rates diminish its appeal.

However, the uncertainties around Trump's tariffs and trade policies for the global economy and their potential impact on growth are likely to sustain safe-haven demand for gold, said Zain Vawda, market analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA.

Spot silver firmed 1% to $30.23 per ounce, platinum rose 0.4% to $938.70, and palladium added 2% to $960.25.