BEIJING: Apple is working with Chinese telecom firms to find ways to reduce spam received through its messaging service, days after it was accused by state media of allowing illegal content on its platform, China News Service reported on Thursday.
The iPhone maker has been targeted by China’s state media through the past week and the official state broadcaster railed against it in a 30-minute special report on Tuesday, saying Apple allowed illegal content such as gambling apps.
Apple is exploring ways to cut spam messages, including using advanced technology to identify junk messages and rolling out more tools to block hostile accounts, an Apple official was quoted by the state-run China News Service as saying.
“We’ve been working to reduce the issue of spam for quite some time,” an Apple spokeswoman said in an email.
She declined to comment on the China News Service report that it was working with the country’s telecom firms.
China is Apple’s second-largest market and it said earlier this week that revenue in the country jumped 19 percent in the June quarter on strong iPhone X sales, showing investors it still had game even as cheaper Chinese rivals gain ground.
Beijing has criticized Apple before but the fresh attacks come as Chinese regulators have launched a new campaign to clean up spam and unsolicited calls, which are a pervasive issue in China where phone numbers are often sold on black markets.
The criticism highlights an increasingly fraught balancing act for the firm in the world’s biggest smartphone market at a time of mounting trade tensions between China and the United States. Both countries have imposed tariffs on exported goods and are fighting over patents and technology.
While China is limited in its ability to match tariff for tariff, it has stepped up scrutiny of business dealings involving US firms including Facebook Inc. and recently scuppered a deal between US chipmakers Qualcomm Inc. and NXP Semiconductors.
Alphabet’s Google, which quit China’s search engine market in 2010, will block some websites and search terms from the version of its search engine that it plans to launch in China, two sources have said.
Apple working with Chinese telecom firms to reduce spam
Apple working with Chinese telecom firms to reduce spam
Saudi banks report 24% profit growth amid strong non-interest income
RIYADH: Saudi banks’ aggregate profit reached SR7.7 billion ($2.05 billion) in October, marking a 23.67 percent year-on-year increase, newly released data has revealed.
According to the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, these figures represent profits before zakat and taxes.
Cumulatively, from the beginning of the year to the end of October, banks recorded a total profit of SR73.28 billion, compared to SR64.47 billion during the same period last year.
The increase in banks’ profits is primarily attributed to a combination of favorable factors that highlight the sector’s strength and ability to adapt.
The third quarter of 2024 marked a significant turning point, with non-interest income playing a pivotal role. According to a Fitch Ratings report published in November, strong gains on securities and trading contributed SR1.4 billion to non-interest income, offsetting higher financing impairment charges and helping push combined quarterly profits to SR20 billion.
This growth followed SAMA’s decision to implement a 50-basis-point interest rate cut in September, which mirrored the US Federal Reserve’s shift toward a more accommodative monetary policy.
The rising interest rate environment that characterized much of the Gulf region in recent years had previously bolstered bank returns on loans, as higher borrowing costs translated into greater income from financing activities.
However, this dynamic also increased funding costs, particularly for savings accounts and external liabilities.
Many Saudi banks navigated these challenges by diversifying their funding sources, tapping into external markets, and issuing a record $13 billion in debt in the first eight months of 2024 to meet growing foreign-currency financing demands, particularly for giga-projects.
Despite these efforts, deposit growth in the third quarter of 2024 lagged behind earlier quarters, according to Fitch, reflecting the sector’s strategic pivot toward external funding to sustain its expansion.
The recent shift in monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve, which influences rates in Saudi Arabia due to the riyal’s peg to the dollar, has injected new dynamics into the financial landscape.
After a period of aggressive rate hikes to combat inflation, the Fed lowered interest rates by 50 basis points in September, followed by successive 25-basis-point cuts in November and December, signaling a focus on boosting economic growth as inflation eased to acceptable levels.
This policy change benefited Saudi banks by improving the valuation of certain securities, as noted by Fitch, and created a more favorable environment for non-interest income growth.
Another critical factor underpinning Saudi banks’ profitability has been their robust asset quality and prudent risk management.
The average impaired financing ratio, according to Fitch Ratings, remained low at 1.5 percent by the end of the third quarter, with provision coverage at a healthy 116 percent.
This stability reflects the resilience of Saudi banks in managing risks associated with their expanding financing books, which grew by 3.6 percent during the quarter, led by strong performances from banks like Aljazira, Saudi Awwal Bank, and Saudi Investment Bank.
The sector’s healthy operating environment is supported by the Kingdom’s broader economic stability and strategic investments under Vision 2030, which continue to drive demand for corporate financing.
While external liabilities and a negative net foreign asset position present challenges, Saudi banks remain well-capitalized, with average Common Equity Tier 1 ratios of 15.6 percent, and are positioned to maintain strong asset quality metrics as they navigate a shifting global monetary landscape.
The combination of rising non-interest income, strategic funding diversification, and favorable monetary policy shifts underscores the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s banking sector, making it a key player in the region’s economic transformation.
As SAMA continues to align with global trends, Saudi banks are poised to further strengthen their profitability while maintaining a balanced approach to growth and risk management.
Saudi Arabia strengthens food security with trout farming breakthrough
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s food security strategy has received a boost with a trout farming project developed through a partnership between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and King Abdulaziz University.
The initiative, carried out at KACST’s research station in Al-Muzahmiyya Governorate, was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program.
The project introduces trout as a species suited for diverse environmental conditions, expanding the availability of fish with high nutritional value. This move aims to address the growing domestic demand for seafood while mitigating potential supply chain disruptions.
This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which set a target of increasing domestic fish production to 600,000 tonnes annually to ensure sustainable food supplies.
The initiative also supports the National Fisheries Development Program’s goals of optimizing resource use, boosting the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product, achieving seafood self-sufficiency, and diversifying income sources.
The new project employs a recirculating aquaculture system, which uses less water than traditional methods and reduces the risk of parasites and viral infections that could harm fish.
These advanced systems also regulate key environmental factors in fish farming, such as temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrition, thereby enhancing aquatic animals health and quality.
This initiative aligns with the National Laboratory’s ongoing efforts to localize RAS technology using fresh water.
Trout were farmed and raised from the egg incubation stage to the point where they reached a commercial size of over 1,200 grams.
This success has encouraged the private sector to adopt the technology across various regions in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, and the northern regions.
Trout and other cold-water river fish were specifically chosen for local farming to meet the growing demand for high-protein, omega-3-rich, and vitamin-packed fish, which are essential for human health.
In October, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced that Saudi Arabia’s fisheries and aquaculture production increased by 55.56 percent in 2023, surpassing 140,000 tons. This highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency and promoting sustainable development.
The ministry noted that the country has achieved record-breaking production levels in saltwater and inland aquaculture projects, surpassing the 90,000 tonnes recorded in 2021.
Aquaculture in the Kingdom, which began in 1982, has grown substantially, establishing the nation as a leading exporter of white shrimp.
‘Paradigm shift’ as GCC urban population to surge 30% by 2030: Arthur D. Little
RIYADH: Urban populations across the Gulf Cooperation Council region are projected to grow 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, increasing demand for housing, infrastructure, and inclusive development, analysts say.
In its latest report, international management consulting firm Arthur D. Little said that 90 percent of GCC residents will live in cities by 2050, providing a $150 billion economic regional opportunity.
The study revealed that Saudi Arabia is leading this transition, with the Kingdom eyeing to build 500,000 new housing units to meet the rising demand.
Saudi Arabia is undertaking a dozen giga-projects to address the needs of its growing urban population. These developments are key to the government’s economic diversification goals, forming a core component of Vision 2030.
“We’re witnessing a paradigm shift. This isn’t about building cities — it’s about creating living, breathing economic ecosystems that grow from within local communities,” said Rajesh Duneja, lead researcher at Arthur D. Little.
Driven by Vision 2030 objectives and its Quality of Life Program, Saudi Arabia is striving for three of its cities to be recognized among the top 100 in the world for livability.
The consulting firm added that the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts are not just a construction initiative but a catalyst for opportunity, education, and long-term economic contribution, with Saudi Arabia embedding workforce development, small and medium enterprises, and local engagement in this journey.
Earlier this month, a report released by real estate and investment management firm JLL said that the ongoing urban infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia is creating new hotspots for growth, driven by a surge in tourism and economic diversification efforts.
In July, an analysis by British property consultancy Savills said that the Kingdom’s capital city, Riyadh, is poised to be one of the fastest-growing metropolizes in the world over the next decade, driven by the growth of the country’s mega projects.
In July, a report released by Statista also outlined urbanization progress in Arab world nations, with Kuwait already having a 100 percent urban population in 2023.
Statista added that 99.35 percent of people in Qatar live in urban areas, followed by Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with 89.87 percent, 87.78 percent, and 84.95 percent, respectively.
The Arthur D. Little report said the surging demand for housing and infrastructure in the region also calls for community-driven strategies to adopt a more inclusive approach, as traditional infrastructure models alone cannot meet the scale of this demand.
“The pace of urbanization across the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, is unprecedented. To ensure that ambitious goals, such as those embodied in Vision 2030, are reached, it is vitally important that communities participate in, and feel part of, the changes,” said Arthur D. Little.
The analysis added that these community-focused strategies are not only enhancing social impact but also driving economic growth.
The management consulting firm projected that community-focused initiatives could support the region’s 4 percent gross domestic product growth trajectory, reinforcing its economic resilience amid global challenges.
“This is not just urban development. It’s the emergence of a new economic blueprint that places human potential at its core,” said Maurice Salem, principal at Arthur D. Little Middle East.
According to the study, the region’s demographic profile also strengthens the necessity for a community-driven approach.
“With only 3 percent of the population in Saudi Arabia over the age of 65, the Middle East has an unparalleled opportunity to leverage its young, dynamic workforce,” said the report.
It added: “When integrated with local talent, cultural heritage, and SME development, infrastructure projects become engines of socio-economic transformation.”
Oil Updates — crude gains as cooling US inflation points to possible easing
SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose on Monday as lower-than-expected US inflation data revived hopes for further policy easing, although the outlook for a supply surplus next year weighed on the market, according to Reuters.
Brent crude futures rose 36 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $73.30 a barrel by 07:21 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 39 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $69.85 per barrel.
“Risk assets, including US equity futures and crude oil, have started the week on a firmer footing,” IG markets analyst Tony Sycamore said, adding that cooler inflation data helped alleviate concerns following the Federal Reserve’s hawkish rate cut.
“I think the US Senate passing legislation to end the brief shutdown over the weekend has helped,” he said.
Both oil benchmarks fell more than 2 percent last week on concerns about global economic growth and oil demand after the US central bank signaled caution over further easing of monetary policy. Research from Asia’s top refiner Sinopec pointing to China’s oil consumption peaking in 2027 also weighed on prices.
Money managers raised their net-long US crude futures and options positions in the week to Dec. 17, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission said on Friday.
Concerns about European supply eased on reports the Druzhba pipeline, which sends Russian and Kazakh oil to Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany, has restarted after halting on Thursday due to technical problems at a Russian pumping station.
Shipments resumed on Saturday, according to Belarus’ BelTa state news agency. On Sunday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said supplies on Druzbha to the country had restarted.
Before the halt, the pipeline was shipping 300,000 barrels per day of crude.
US President Donald Trump on Friday urged the EU to increase US oil and gas imports or face tariffs on the bloc's exports.
The European Commission said it was ready to discuss with Trump how to strengthen what it described as an already strong relationship, including in the energy sector.
Trump also threatened to reassert US control over the Panama Canal on Sunday, accusing Panama of charging excessive rates to use the Central American passage and drawing a sharp rebuke from Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.
In the US, the number of operating oil rigs was up one to 483 last week, the highest since September, Baker Hughes reported on Friday.
Macquarie analysts projected growing supply surplus for next year, which will weigh down Brent prices to an average at $70.50 a barrel, from this year’s average of $79.64 a barrel, they said in a December report.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,849
- Parallel market Nomu lost 205.92 points, or 0.65%, to close at 31,238.29
- MSCI Tadawul Index shed 4.86 points, or 0.33%, to close at 1,484.56
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 43.07 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 11,849.37.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.14 billion ($1.1 million), as 84 of the stocks advanced and 137 retreated.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 205.92 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 31,238.29. This comes as 37 of the listed stocks advanced while 49 retreated.
The MSCI Tadawul Index also lost 4.86 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 1,484.56.
The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Vitrified Clay Pipes Co., whose share price surged 9.89 percent to SR38.90.
Other top performers included SHL Finance Co., whose share price rose 6.43 percent to SR18.20, as well as Taiba Investments Co., whose share price surged 4.97 percent to SR39.05.
Riyadh Cables Group Co. recorded the biggest drop, falling 6.30 percent to SR136.80.
Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co. saw its stock prices fall 5.15 percent to SR26.70.
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group also saw its stock prices decline 4.02 percent to SR286.60.
Meanwhile, Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. has announced moving its headquarters to Riyadh.
The company’s shares will be suspended for two business days starting Dec. 22, following the board of directors’ recommendation to reduce capital by 26.5 percent from SR 297 million to SR 218.3 million during an extraordinary general meeting held on Dec. 19.
The National Agricultural Development Co. has announced the release of its Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance report.
According to a Tadawul statement, it outlines the company’s approach to embedding sustainability criteria within its strategic direction and operations as well. It reflects the firm’s commitment to its ESG responsibilities along with its devotion to sustainable development objectives in line with the Global Reporting Initiative standards.
NADEC’s strategy complements the requirements for economic growth, keeps pace with developments in the Kingdom, and aligns with Vision 2030, which emphasizes environmental sustainability and renewable energy as fundamental components of development.
The analysis further provides a comprehensive insight into NADEC’s sustainability initiatives and commitments for the year 2023. The statement also disclosed that NADEC will periodically issue reports to keep stakeholders informed of ongoing developments going forward.
NADEC ended the session at SR25.50, up 0.98 percent.
Alhasoob Co. has announced the termination of the non-binding memorandum of understanding to acquire all shares of Alkhorayef Printing Solutions Co. by issuing shares to its owner Alkhorayef Group Co.
A bourse filing revealed that this comes without reaching an agreement between the two parties and without any obligation on either party.
Alhasoob Co. ended the session at SR64.20, down 3.07 percent.
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation has announced the board decision to distribute SR5.1 billion in interim cash dividends to shareholders for the second half of the year.
According to a Tadawul statement, the total number of shares eligible for dividends amounted to 3 billion shares, with the dividend per share standing at SR1.70. The statement also revealed that the percentage of dividend to the share par value stood at 17 percent.
SABIC ended the session at SR67.00, up 0.30 percent.
