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Gulf Markets Subdued Amid US Tariff Concerns And Powell’s Rate Comments

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 12, 2025

Major stock markets in the Gulf showed caution in early trading on Wednesday, as investors remained uncertain about the future of U.S. import tariffs and the Federal Reserve’s approach to rate cuts. U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade advisers were finalizing plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose duties on U.S. imports, increasing fears of a global trade war.

In Saudi Arabia, the benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 0.3%, largely due to a 1.6% decline in petrochemical producer Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC). Saudi Aramco also saw a 0.3% loss. Oil prices, a key driver for Gulf markets, edged lower as U.S. crude stockpiles increased and tariff concerns dampened sentiment, although stronger refining margins helped to limit losses.

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In Dubai, the main share index (.DFMGI) decreased by 0.5%, impacted by a 3.8% fall in Dubai Islamic Bank (DISB.DU), despite the bank reporting an increase in annual profit. However, in Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI) edged up by 0.1%, buoyed by a 0.5% increase in Aldar Properties (ALDAR.AD), which reported a 37% year-on-year rise in fourth-quarter profit.

Qatar’s market (.QSI) declined by 0.3%, with telecom firm Ooredoo (ORDS.QA) falling by 1.9%. Investor attention is now focused on the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, due at 1330 GMT.

Investor expectations for Fed rate cuts this year have been scaled back, with many now anticipating the central bank will hold rates steady in March and May. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated on Tuesday that the economy is in a strong position, and while the Fed isn’t in a hurry to cut rates, it remains ready to do so if inflation drops or the job market weakens.

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Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 30, 2025

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

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Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.