<ul>
<li>Macquarie Group analysts forecast that gold prices may rise to a record high of $3,500 per ounce in the third quarter of 2025, driven by increasing demand for safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainties. Early Thursday, spot gold dipped 0.1% to $2,983.78 per ounce after briefly reaching a record $2,990.09, just shy of the key $3,000 mark. Despite the slight pullback, bullion remains on track for a second consecutive weekly gain, up 2.5% so far. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures edged 0.2% higher to $2,996.70. The analysts expect an average price of $3,150 during this period, influenced by concerns over a growing US deficit and potential inflationary pressures. This bullish outlook aligns with the broader trend of rising gold prices, which have already increased by 12% this year, indicating strong market sentiment towards precious metals.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The anticipated rise in gold prices could significantly impact mining companies and investors in the precious metals sector. Higher gold prices typically lead to increased revenues and profit margins for mining firms, enhancing their market positions. Additionally, as gold becomes a more attractive investment, companies involved in gold production and trading may see heightened interest from investors, potentially leading to increased capital inflows and stock price appreciation. This trend could also prompt strategic shifts among companies, including expansion plans or increased exploration activities to capitalize on favorable market conditions.</li>
</ul>

Surge Ahead

<ul>
<li>Apple's stock has seen a significant decline, dropping 13% this year and experiencing its largest three-day drop since November 2022. The company is facing multiple headwinds, including tariff uncertainties and a slowdown in iPhone demand, particularly with the upcoming iPhone 16. Analysts express concerns over Apple's high valuation relative to its slower revenue growth, which is expected to be less than half of the overall tech sector's growth rate. The company's premium pricing and lack of innovative product launches have led to a diminished perception as a safe haven for investors.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The ongoing geopolitical risks, particularly related to tariffs imposed by the U.S. on China, pose a substantial threat to Apple's operations, as approximately 17% of its revenue comes from the greater China region. Analysts predict that these tariffs could impact Apple's operating margins and sales growth significantly. Additionally, the indefinite delay of the AI-infused Siri assistant raises questions about Apple's competitiveness in the AI space, further complicating its growth prospects. Investors are now more cautious, with fewer analysts recommending the stock compared to its peers.</li>
</ul>

Market Struggles

<ul>
<li data-start="59" data-end="324">Kuwaiti banks reported a net profit surge of over 8%, reaching 1.66 billion dinars in 2024, marking a 125 million dinar increase from 2023. Kuwait Finance House (KFH) and National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) accounted for 73% of total sector profits.&nbsp;Other banks also posted strong results, benefiting from improved operating environments, higher interest rates, loan growth, and lower provisions. Boubyan Bank recorded its highest-ever profit at 97 million dinars, while Ahli Bank of Kuwait posted 52 million dinars in earnings.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-start="628" data-end="872">Exceptional one-time gains also boosted results. Commercial Bank of Kuwait ended its non-performing loan write-off policy and settled a long-standing dispute over its Boubyan Bank stake, pushing profits to a record 157 million dinars.&nbsp;While maintaining this growth poses a challenge for 2025, optimism remains high, with positive economic reforms and market conditions expected to drive further record-breaking profits.</li>
</ul>

Banking Surge

<ul>
<li>Elon Musk announced plans to double Tesla's electric vehicle production in the United States over the next two years, aligning with President Trump's manufacturing agenda. This decision comes as Tesla faces significant stock declines, with shares dropping 15% recently due to lowered delivery estimates from analysts. Musk's commitment to increasing production capacity is seen as a vote of confidence in the U.S. economy and aims to bolster local manufacturing, which is a key focus of the current administration's policies.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tesla currently operates a manufacturing facility in Nevada and is working to enhance its production capabilities. The company is producing fewer vehicles than its installed capacity allows, particularly for the Model S/X and Model 3/Y. The announcement is expected to influence investor sentiment positively, especially as Tesla's stock has shown volatility in recent months. However, the broader market concerns regarding delivery forecasts and production challenges remain a significant factor for Tesla's financial outlook.</li>
</ul>

EV Growth

<ul>
<li>Netflix is intensifying its gaming strategy to enhance user engagement and diversify its content offerings. The company aims to leverage its existing subscriber base by integrating gaming into its platform, similar to its previous expansions into original films and unscripted TV. This move is part of a broader strategy to compete with other tech giants in the entertainment sector, particularly as streaming services face increasing competition from platforms like Amazon and Disney+. By investing in gaming, Netflix seeks to create a more immersive experience for users, potentially increasing retention rates and attracting new subscribers.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The expansion into gaming is expected to have significant implications for Netflix's financial performance and market position. As the company plans to invest heavily in content, including gaming, it may face increased operational costs. However, if successful, this strategy could lead to higher revenue streams and a stronger competitive edge in the streaming market. The gaming sector is rapidly growing, and Netflix's entry could position it favorably against rivals, especially as consumer preferences shift towards interactive content. This strategic pivot may also attract partnerships and collaborations within the gaming industry.</li>
</ul>

Gaming Expansion

<ul>
<li>Derayah Financial Co. experienced a remarkable debut on the Saudi stock exchange, with shares soaring to 39 riyals, a 30% increase from the initial offer price of 30 riyals. This surge followed a successful initial public offering (IPO) that raised 1.5 billion riyals ($400 million), indicating robust demand for new listings in the region. The strong performance aligns with a broader trend of heightened investor interest in Saudi IPOs, as evidenced by record-breaking order volumes for recent offerings, surpassing previous benchmarks set by major players like Saudi Aramco.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The IPO's success reflects a growing appetite for investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the financial services sector. With 27 potential listings anticipated in 2025, the Saudi market is positioned to lead the MENA region in IPO activity. This trend not only enhances Derayah's market position but also signals a competitive landscape where investor confidence is bolstered by strong returns from previous IPOs, potentially attracting more companies to consider going public in the near future.</li>
</ul>

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