Latest news with #QNB
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Commodity prices signal softer global growth ahead
Doha, Qatar: After a turbulent first half of 2025 marked by sharply elevated US tariff uncertainty following President Trump's sweeping 'Liberation Day' trade measures, the global economy is adjusting to a more restrictive trade environment, leaving economists and investors increasingly cautious, stated QNB in it's weekly commentary. Despite the initial rounds of US trade deals not fully addressing policy uncertainty, commodity prices provide more concrete indicators of underlying global demand, inflationary pressures, and investor sentiment. Historically reliable as real-time barometers, recent commodity price trends are now signalling moderating growth prospects and lower risks of runaway inflation dynamics ahead. Three factors support this position. First, the overall performance of commodity indices remains well below their cyclical highs from May 2022, while trading in a relatively tight range since the beginning of 2025. This stabilisation challenges both extremes of the macro narrative – neither pointing to untamed nominal growth re-acceleration nor to a more significant slowdown or recession. In fact, the absence of renewed volatility or major price spikes in cyclical commodities (energy and industrial metals) reinforces the ongoing disinflationary trend, despite the sharp depreciation of the USD and the risk of short-term inflation in the US due to the new tariffs. At the same time, steady year-to-date price levels imply underlying resilience in global demand, especially for construction and industrial activity. Notably, base metals (copper, aluminium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc) have posted some gains this year, reflecting optimism around a growth acceleration in emerging technologies and in Asia, particularly with regards to electric vehicles, AI, and China. Second, the copper-to-gold ratio – often used as a proxy for market expectations on growth, inflation and risk appetite – continues to drift lower. This contrasts with the scenario in which markets would be pricing in a robust pro-growth, pro-inflation policy agenda under Trump 2.0. In such a case, copper (a growth sensitive asset) would be expected to outperform gold (a defensive hedge), pushing the ratio higher. The current downtrend suggests instead a more conservative stance by investors, consistent with an outlook of moderate slowdown with well-anchored inflation expectations. Third, the sustained strength in gold prices appears to reflect heightened geopolitical uncertainty and a flight to jurisdiction-free assets, rather than signals of impeding inflation or overheating demand. Gold is currently trading near record highs – around $3,330 per troy ounce – marking close to an 80% increase since the 2022 peak in commodity prices. In contrast, silver, which is both a monetary and industrial metal with key applications in green technology, has been lagging behind until now. However, in recent months, silver prices started to pick up and catch up with the strong performance of gold, suggesting that industrial demand may have bottomed. Were markets expecting a broad-based macro upcycle or runaway inflation, silver would typically lead gold by a significant margin. All in all, despite policy noise and concerns over the potential inflationary impact of Trump 2.0, the signal from commodity markets remains broadly benign. Most industrial inputs are trading sideways at levels significantly below their 2022 peaks. The declining copper-to-gold ratio and the relative underperformance of silver versus gold reinforce the view that growth should slowdown and inflationary pressures remain contained. In our assessment, the commodity complex is pricing in a soft landing: a glide path of moderate global growth with continues disinflation – a reassuring scenario amid a turbulent political backdrop. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( The Peninsula Newspaper
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Awards underscore QNB's capabilities
These awards underscore the bank's robust capabilities in supporting corporate clients, from trade facilitation and liquidity management to secure and efficient payment solutions, reinforcing QNB's position as a trusted banking partner in Qatar and across the region. QNB's commitment to innovation and customer-centric services was also celebrated by The Digital Banker, a leading global platform recognizing excellence in digital financial services. As part of the Digital CX Awards 2025 and the Middle East & Africa Innovation Awards 2025, the bank was honoured in the categories of Best Bank for Trade Finance, Best Bank for Cash Management, and Excellence in Omni-Channel Customer Experience. These awards highlight QNB's strategic focus on digital transformation, integrated platforms, and seamless omni-channel engagement, reflecting its dedication to redefining banking in the digital era. The accolades are a testament to QNB's clear strategic vision, strong client relationships, and the dedication of its talented teams. They also reflect the growing trust placed in QNB by both corporate and individual clients, as the bank continues to provide cutting-edge financial solutions tailored to the evolving market landscape. Senior management expressed pride in these achievements, emphasizing the values of innovation, client focus, and teamwork that drive QNB's success. QNB Group Chief Business Officer Yousef Mahmoud Al Neama said, 'Being recognized on the global stage reinforces our promise to always put our clients first. At QNB, we are committed to providing trusted, innovative, and future-ready solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.' QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking Senior Executive Vice President Khalid Ahmed Al Sada said, 'These awards not only reflect our leadership in Qatar and the region, but also our growing impact on the global financial stage. We are proud to be recognized for our work in advancing excellence, innovation, and financial inclusion.' Looking ahead, QNB remains committed to empowering clients, driving innovation, and setting new standards for excellence across its expanding international footprint.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QNB: Commodity prices signal softer global growth ahead
Tribune News Network Doha The global economy is adjusting to a more restrictive trade environment after a turbulent first half of 2025, marked by elevated uncertainty from US President Donald Trump's sweeping 'Liberation Day' tariff measures, according to QNB Economic Commentary. While economists and investors remain cautious, commodity markets are sending a more reassuring signal: moderating growth prospects, contained inflation risks, and resilience in underlying demand. Despite the initial rounds of US trade deals failing to fully resolve policy uncertainty, commodity prices are providing clearer indicators of real-time economic momentum. Analysts point to three factors suggesting that markets are leaning toward a scenario of moderate slowdown rather than runaway inflation or sharp recession. The overall performance of commodity indices remains well below their cyclical highs of May 2022 and has been trading in a narrow range since the start of 2025. This stability challenges extreme macro narratives, showing neither an uncontrolled growth re-acceleration nor signs of a steep downturn. Energy and industrial metals have avoided major price spikes, reinforcing the global disinflation trend despite the sharp depreciation of the US dollar and tariff-related inflation risks at home. Base metals including copper, aluminium, and nickel have posted modest gains this year, reflecting optimism tied to emerging technologies, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and Asian industrial demand. The copper-to-gold ratio, a closely watched gauge of growth and inflation expectations, continues to trend lower. In a pro-growth policy environment, copper – seen as a growth-sensitive asset – would typically outperform gold, pushing the ratio higher. Its current decline instead reflects investor caution, consistent with expectations of slowing growth alongside stableinflation. Gold prices remain near record highs of about USD 3,330 per troy ounce – up nearly 80% since the 2022 commodity peak. Analysts attribute this strength to geopolitical uncertainty and demand for jurisdiction-free assets, rather than fears of imminent inflation. Silver, which has lagged gold in recent years despite its industrial role in green technology, has recently begun to recover, hinting that industrial demand may have bottomed. However, silver's underperformance relative to gold reinforces the view that markets are not pricing in a broad-based upcycle. Taken together, the trends suggest that commodity markets are pricing in a 'soft landing' for the global economy – moderate growth paired with continued disinflation. While Trump's tariff agenda has unsettled global trade, the absence of major commodity volatility indicates that industrial activity remains resilient and inflation expectations well anchored. For investors, the message from commodities is clear: despite political turbulence, the risk of runaway inflation or a sharp recession appears contained.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QNB shines on global stage with multiple corporate banking awards
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has reaffirmed its position as a leader in the banking sector by securing multiple prestigious international awards in 2025. These accolades reflect QNB's unwavering commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional value to clients across all market segments. QNB was named Best Trade Finance Bank in Qatar by GTR (Global Trade Review) Leaders in Trade Awards – Middle East & Africa 2025. This recognition highlights the Group's extensive expertise in structuring and executing trade finance solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving global trade environment. Leveraging a strong international network and in-depth understanding of regional market dynamics, QNB continues to support economic growth by facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening supply chain resilience. Further cementing its corporate banking leadership, QNB received top honors in the 2025 Global Finance Awards, earning recognition as Best Trade Finance Provider and for Best Treasury and Cash Management. These awards underscore the bank's robust capabilities in supporting corporate clients, from trade facilitation and liquidity management to secure and efficient payment solutions, reinforcing QNB's position as a trusted banking partner in Qatar and across the region. QNB's commitment to innovation and customer-centric services was also celebrated by The Digital Banker, a leading global platform recognizing excellence in digital financial services. As part of the Digital CX Awards 2025 and the Middle East & Africa Innovation Awards 2025, the bank was honoured in the categories of Best Bank for Trade Finance, Best Bank for Cash Management, and Excellence in Omni-Channel Customer Experience. These awards highlight QNB's strategic focus on digital transformation, integrated platforms, and seamless omni-channel engagement, reflecting its dedication to redefining banking in the digital era. The accolades are a testament to QNB's clear strategic vision, strong client relationships, and the dedication of its talented teams. They also reflect the growing trust placed in QNB by both corporate and individual clients, as the bank continues to provide cutting-edge financial solutions tailored to the evolving market landscape. Senior management expressed pride in these achievements, emphasizing the values of innovation, client focus, and teamwork that drive QNB's success. QNB Group Chief Business Officer Yousef Mahmoud Al Neama said, 'Being recognized on the global stage reinforces our promise to always put our clients first. At QNB, we are committed to providing trusted, innovative, and future-ready solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.' QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking Senior Executive Vice President Khalid Ahmed Al Sada said, 'These awards not only reflect our leadership in Qatar and the region, but also our growing impact on the global financial stage. We are proud to be recognized for our work in advancing excellence, innovation, and financial inclusion.' Looking ahead, QNB remains committed to empowering clients, driving innovation, and setting new standards for excellence across its expanding international footprint.
Zawya
11-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt secures $490mln financing for soda ash production project in New Alamein
Arab Finance: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi witnessed the signing of a principles agreement to finance the Egyptian Soda Ash Company's project in New Alamein with about $490 million, as per a statement. As one of the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company's (ECHEM) projects, it aims to produce 600,000 tons of soda ash and its derivatives annually at the industrial zone of New Alamein. The agreement was signed by Shaher Reda, Chairman and Managing Director of the Egyptian Soda Ash Company, and a financing consortium of national and regional lenders. The consortium includes Qatar National Bank (QNB), Commercial International Bank (CIB), Arab African International Bank (AAIB), National Bank of Kuwait, Banque du Caire, the EBank, and Bank NXT. The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the project's financial advisor, were also present. Badawi said the project aligns with the state's vision and the ministry's strategy to maximize added value for the national economy by localizing soda ash manufacturing technology. He stressed its role in meeting local demand, reducing imports, and supporting sustainable development in new urban communities. He added that the project will boost the capacity of Egypt's chemical industries, create direct and indirect jobs, and open new export markets. Soda ash is used in various industries, including glass, detergents, paper, food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. © 2025 All Rights Reserved Arab Finance For Information Technology Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
