SABIC Hosts First Boao Forum for Asia in Riyadh on Monday

Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA)
TT

SABIC Hosts First Boao Forum for Asia in Riyadh on Monday

Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA)
Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA)

The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) will host in Riyadh on Monday the first Boao Forum for Asia conference under the theme “Energy Transformation for a Sustainable Future” to boost international cooperation and increase integration among various sectors.
Building on its 16-year strategic partnership with the forum, SABIC remains committed to enhancing cooperation among companies and countries linked to product value chains, a statement from the corporation said.
In addition to supporting the annual conferences, SABIC has also participated in several related conferences, including the “Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum” and the “Global Economic Development and Security Forum” under the Boao Forum for Asia, where SABIC shared its rich expertise in innovation and sustainability.
SABIC has enhanced its commitment to the Chinese market in recent years through the forum's leading role in promoting regional cooperation and sustainable and comprehensive growth.
It has collaborated with local partners to expand its presence since its entry into the country in the 1980s.
SABIC is dedicated to supporting high-quality economic development in China by offering more innovative solutions covering the entire value chain.
It has increased its activity in renewable energy applications in China to facilitate its transition towards sustainable development through an innovation-based strategy, which also forms a significant part of the company's global roadmap towards carbon neutrality.
As a leader in the chemical industry, SABIC seeks to support the transition in the energy sector towards a sustainable future by enhancing cooperation and innovation.
It is worth noting that China continues to adopt further economic reforms and enhance the Sino-Saudi strategic partnership, and SABIC continues to benefit from the Boao Forum for Asia as a prominent platform to enhance its participation in various industries and contribute to the strategic integration between China's Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.

 



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.