NEW YORK: Bitcoin’s value plunged on Wednesday after China signaled a new crackdown on the cryptocurrency, but its losses were cushioned after Tesla head Elon Musk spoke up on Twitter.
The virtual currency fell to almost $30,000 — less than half the record value it reached last month — before climbing back over $39,500 around 2000 GMT. It was still above its level at the start of the year.
Bitcoin recovered somewhat following tweets from Musk that featured a diamond and hands emoji, taken as a signal the company had not sold off its huge bitcoin holdings as the CEO appeared to suggest recently.
At its daily low on Wednesday, the unit lost nearly a third of its value compared to the start of the week and more than half compared to its record, reached just a month ago, on April 14, at $64,869.78.
Making matters worse, Chinese authorities on Wednesday said cryptocurrencies would not be allowed in transactions and warned investors against speculative trading in them, despite the country powering most of the world’s mining.
Trading in cryptocurrencies has been banned in China since 2019 to prevent money laundering, as leaders try to stop people from shifting cash overseas. The country had been home to around 90 percent of the global trade in the sector.
In a statement, three state-backed industry associations said “cryptocurrency prices have skyrocketed and plummeted, and cryptocurrency trading speculation activities have rebounded.”
The price fluctuations “seriously violate people’s asset safety and disrupt normal economic and financial order,” said the statement posted to social media by the People’s Bank of China.
The notice warned consumers against wild speculation, adding that the “losses caused by investment transactions are borne by the consumers themselves,” since Chinese law offers no protection to them.
It reiterated that providing cryptocurrency services to customers and crypto-based financial products was illegal for Chinese financial institutions and payment providers.
“This is the latest chapter of China tightening the noose around crypto,” said Antoni Trenchev, managing partner and co-founder of London-based crypto lender Nexo.
Linghao Bao, analyst at Trivium China, said that despite the ban, Chinese investors could still find ways to buy cryptocurrencies through illegal vendors.
“There will always be a way to circumvent regulations,” he said. “The point of this order is to tell financial institutions to up their game to detect these crypto-related transactions.”
Bitcoin had a roller-coaster day on Wednesday, falling from $45,600 to under $40,000, then climbing back before dropping to $30,017 and up again.
“This looks like your typical flash crash, but there seems to be some hesitancy in getting back in,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA.
Adam Reynolds, of Saxo Markets, added that avoiding use of cryptocurrency, which can be transferred out of the country, is “essential to maintaining capital controls” in China.
Bitcoin has had a torrid few days, in good part because of Musk and Tesla.
Last week Tesla hit the brakes on letting people pay for its electric cars with bitcoin, citing concerns about the harmful effects that mining cryptocurrencies has on the environment.
Then Musk appeared to suggest Tesla was planning to sell its huge holdings of the unit, before clarifying that the company had not sold any bitcoin.
“Elon Musk started the ball rolling,” Germany-based crypto analyst Timo Emden told AFP. “It will take some time for them to recover from this shock.”
Mining cryptocurrency is a hugely energy-intensive process requiring large amounts of electricity in giant data centers.
China, which powers nearly 80 percent of the global cryptocurrency trade, relies on a particularly polluting type of coal, lignite, to power some of its mining.
“If bitcoin was a country, it would use around the same amount of electricity a year to mine as Switzerland does in total,” Deutsche Bank analysts said in a note.
Some Chinese enthusiasts, however, remained unfazed.
“This has happened before and it happens every year...,” said trader and ex-tech industry worker Zeng Jiajun. “Crypto is here to stay.”
China is in the midst of a wide-ranging regulatory crackdown on its fintech sector. Its biggest players — including Alibaba and Tencent — have been hit with big fines after being found guilty of monopolistic practices.
Bitcoin tumble slows with help from Elon Musk
https://arab.news/6zfzj
Bitcoin tumble slows with help from Elon Musk
- China on Wednesday said cryptocurrencies would not be allowed in transactions
- The virtual currency fell to almost $30,000 before climbing back over $39,500
Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,434
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index extended its upward momentum for a second straight day, gaining 11.13 points, or 0.10 percent, to close at 11,434.08 on Tuesday.
The benchmark index recorded a total trading turnover of SR4.51 billion ($1.20 billion), with 83 stocks advancing and 152 declining.
Saudi Arabia’s parallel market Nomu, however, dropped 190.20 points to close at 27,952.79.
The MSCI Tadawul Index edged up 0.16 percent to 1,457.72.
The top performer on the main market was Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., also known as Cenomi Retail, which saw its share price surge 9.87 percent to SR15.58.
Shares of Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co. rose 3.59 percent to SR178.80, while Saudi Ceramic Co. gained 3.17 percent to reach SR29.30.
Al-Etihad Cooperative Insurance Co. recorded the biggest decline of the day, with its share price slipping 7.69 percent to SR13.92.
On the announcements front, United Electronics Co., also known as EXTRA, reported a net profit of SR103.44 million for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
In a Tadawul filing, the company attributed the rise to growth in its retail and consumer finance segments. EXTRA’s share price rose 0.11 percent to SR90.90.
United International Holding Co. posted a net profit of SR57.81 million for the first quarter of 2025, up 10.42 percent year on year. The company said the increase was driven by a 25.3 percent rise in revenues, which reached SR174.65 million, compared to SR139.43 million in the same period last year. Its share price rose 0.59 percent to SR171.40.
Saudi Printing and Packaging Co. widened its net loss to SR24.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to SR22.62 million a year earlier. The company blamed the deeper loss on lower revenues from its printing and packaging divisions. Shares dropped 2.83 percent to SR12.34.
Al-Etihad Cooperative Insurance Co. reported a net loss of SR11.91 million for the first quarter, reversing from a net profit of SR2.66 million in the year-earlier period. The insurer cited reduced revenue and a decline in gross earned premiums in the motor and medical segments as key reasons for the swing. Its stock closed down 7.69 percent at SR13.92.
Almoosa Health Co. announced a net profit of SR51.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, a surge of 272.99 percent year on year. The company said the sharp increase was driven by higher patient volumes and improved inpatient occupancy. Shares advanced 3.09 percent to SR167.
Saudi Arabia’s revised 2024 capital investment rises to $355bn, surpassing target by 38%
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s gross fixed capital formation reached SR1.33 trillion ($355 billion) in 2024, reflecting a 4.5 percent annual increase, according to updated data released by the Ministry of Investment.
This figure exceeded the ministry’s original target of SR964 billion by 38 percent, underscoring strong momentum in the Kingdom’s capital investment cycle and signaling continued progress toward Vision 2030 objectives.
The updated breakdown shows that private sector investments grew by 11 percent annually in 2024 to reach SR1.19 trillion, now accounting for 89.16 percent of total GFCF.
Meanwhile, government sector investment declined by 29.4 percent to SR144.3 billion, representing just 10.84 percent of total capital formation. The figures highlight the country’s growing reliance on private investment to drive sustainable growth.
GFCF rose to 29 percent of gross domestic product, surpassing the National Investment Strategy target of 26 percent, signaling growing investor confidence and effective policy implementation, according to the ministry.
The GFCF metric—an indicator of long-term economic health—tracks net investment in fixed assets across infrastructure, industry, real estate, and tourism. Higher capital formation is typically associated with greater productive capacity and stronger future growth.
These investment gains come amid a broader push by the Ministry of Investment and the newly established Saudi Investment Promotion Authority to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global investment hub.
Through its InvestSaudi platform, the authority has launched wide-ranging initiatives to attract domestic and international capital.
Efforts include a revamped national investment portal that highlights 15 priority sectors with tailored incentive packages, alongside the rollout of the 2025 Investment Law, which streamlines licensing and regulatory processes across industries.
Internationally, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih has led roadshows and delegations across Asia, the Americas, and Europe—regions that collectively account for a significant share of the Kingdom’s foreign direct investment inflows.
Al-Falih has emphasized Asia as a key focus, noting that six of Saudi Arabia’s top 10 FDI source countries are from the region. Domestically, he continues to promote Saudi investment opportunities at major economic forums and sector-specific conferences, positioning the Kingdom’s transformation as a compelling investment narrative.
Together, these outreach efforts, combined with a growing pipeline of mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea, and Diriyah Gate, are shaping a dynamic investment landscape and reinforcing the Kingdom’s appeal to both regional and global investors.
Saudi Arabia leads 106% rise in MENA IPO proceeds across Q1: EY
RIYADH: Proceeds from initial public offerings across the Middle East and North Africa saw a 106 percent annual rise in the first quarter of 2025, fueled by Saudi Arabia, according to an analysis.
In its latest report, professional services networking firm EY said the MENA region raised $2.1 billion through 14 IPOs — a year-on-year rise of four — in the three months to the end of March.
Over the period, 12 of the 14 listings happened in the Kingdom, with five IPOs taking place on the Tadawul benchmark index, and seven occurring on Saudi Arabia’s parallel market, Nomu.
In recent years, the Kingdom has emerged as a hotspot for listings, fueled by robust economic reforms, diversification efforts away from oil dependence, and growing interest from regional and international investors.
In January, a separate report released by Kamco Invest said that Saudi Arabia led the GCC IPO market in 2024, earning a global ranking of seventh in total IPO proceeds.
Commenting on activities in the first quarter, Brad Watson, MENA EY-Parthenon leader, said: “This year started on a positive note. MENA capital markets continue to show resilience, with the total IPO value more than doubling compared to the same period last year.”
He added: “Saudi Arabia continues to dominate the MENA region’s market in terms of activity as well as proceeds. In addition, the IPO pipeline for the rest of the year remains robust across various sectors and multiple countries.”
According to the latest report, the Kingdom’s Tadawul main market welcomed the largest offering in the MENA region during the first quarter of this year, with Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. raising $523 million, contributing to 22 percent of the overall IPO proceeds.
This was followed by Almoosa Health Group, which accounted for 19 percent with $450 million, and Derayah Financial with $400 million.
Overall, the Tadawul main market generated $1.8 billion in total proceeds, while Nomu raised $69 million.
EY revealed that 28 percent of the IPO funds raised in Saudi Arabia came from the real estate management sector, followed by healthcare equipment and services at 24 percent, financial services at 21 percent, and consumer discretionary and retail at 17 percent.
In the first quarter of this year, the UAE witnessed one IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, with Alpha Data PJSC raising $163 million.
Oman’s Muscat Stock Exchange saw one IPO, with Asyad Shipping Co. raising $333 million.
“The increased demand for MENA listings has led to developments in market infrastructure through new products, enhanced governance standards, and a focus on transparency and accountability,” said EY MENA IPO and Transaction Diligence Leader, Gregory Hughes.
He added: “The upward trajectory in the number of IPOs across the region reflects a wider trend of sector diversification, with investors and companies increasingly looking beyond traditional oil-based industries.”
EY further said that the outlook for MENA IPOs for the rest of 2025 remains positive, with 21 companies intending to list on the region’s exchanges across various sectors.
According to EY, Saudi Arabia remains the frontrunner in this pipeline, with 17 companies already receiving approval from the Kingdom’s Capital Markets Authority.
In the UAE, three companies have announced their plans to list, and outside the GCC, Egypt has announced one IPO.
“In 2025, we can potentially expect to see an increase in IPOs from the technology sector, including online retail, fintech, foodtech, and classifieds,” said Hughes.
Saudi Arabia sees no rival to US in capital markets, says Al-Falih
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia views the US as unmatched in both capital markets and innovation, with no close competitor, and continues to actively invest in American institutions, a senior official stated.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Milken Institute in Los Angeles, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih stated that the Kingdom continues to trust and engage with US-based partners as part of its long-term economic strategy.
“There is no close competitor to the US in many aspects, certainly capital markets, their depth and their breadth, and also the innovation spirit,” Al-Falih said.
He added that in the last three or four years, there has been widespread discussion about the next tectonic shift in “how we live and how we do business and how we govern, driven by AI, which is primarily a US innovation.”
Al-Falih further emphasized the Kingdom’s continued engagement with American institutions: “Our trust in the US remains strong, and we continue to work with American companies and financial institutions. We also invest in the US for the same reasons I mentioned.”
He acknowledged that while the global economic landscape is undergoing a transformation, the US continues to stand out for its ability to drive technological revolutions — particularly in artificial intelligence — and for its deep-rooted institutional strength.
The minister noted that current shifts in global influence are part of a long-term trend that has seen emerging markets gain ground, with the G7’s share of global gross domestic product declining from 60 percent to 40 percent over the past decades.
“There has been sort of a democratization of some of the things that, psychologically, Western countries — including the US — thought they had forever, and you’re seeing many countries today are able to innovate on their own and compete,” he said.
Addressing broader geopolitical and economic turbulence, Al-Falih said Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council economies have developed the resilience to weather global shocks, including energy price volatility and regional disruptions such as the Red Sea shipping crisis.
“In the Middle East, I will just say at this outset that we have built, over the years — for unfortunate reasons — a lot of resilience because we’re used to shocks. We’re used to security challenges, and we have the mechanisms to absorb different types of shocks,” Al-Falih said.
Despite global uncertainties, he said the Kingdom continues to see robust investment growth — both local and foreign — driven by confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economic reforms and strategic positioning.
“I can tell you, as minister of investment, we’re seeing very healthy investment continuing to happen in the Kingdom. A lot of it is local — driven by our private sector and our sovereign wealth fund — but a significant growth year on year from foreign investors who… do believe that, in the overall balance of things, there is more opportunity than risk,” he said.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that the GCC, and Saudi Arabia in particular, offers favorable risk-return trade-offs for international investors seeking long-term opportunities.
“We are working relentlessly to make Saudi Arabia the world’s most attractive investment destination — not merely a facilitator of investments,” the minister said.
Al-Falih noted that the Kingdom offers investors an “integrated, end-to-end service that supports them throughout their entire journey.”
He described the Kingdom’s brand as dynamic, stating: “A nation’s brand is never static; it evolves with history and global developments.”
On the energy transition, the minister cautioned: “If we rush without proper planning, we risk severe disruptions — as witnessed in the Iberian Peninsula.”
“Energy must be affordable, reliable, and sustainable — this is the cornerstone of any successful policy,” he added.
Al-Falih concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom’s strength stating: “We possess the financial reserves and tools necessary to absorb global shocks and continue progressing.”
In January, Saudi Arabia announced plans to expand its trade and investment ties with the US to at least $600 billion over the next four years, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi, Egypt step up investment ties with incentives across key sectors
RIYADH: New incentives to boost trade, investment, and cooperation were discussed at the Saudi-Egyptian Business Forum in Cairo.
Organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers and Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones on May 5, the business forum focused on sectors including industry, real estate development, tourism, and special economic zones, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The renewed push comes after Egypt’s parliament ratified a bilateral investment protection agreement with the Kingdom in March, aimed at enhancing capital inflows, creating jobs, and strengthening economic cooperation.
It also marks a continuation of Saudi financial support for Egypt, including a $5 billion deposit in 2022 that brought total deposits from the Kingdom in the north African country’s central bank to $10.3 billion.
“Assistant Minister of Investment and CEO of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority Ibrahim Al-Mubarak stated that the investment protection and promotion agreement between Saudi Arabia and Egypt created a reality for investment cooperation,” the SPA report stated.
“He emphasized that Saudi Arabia will remain a leading investment partner for Egypt, noting that SIPA has granted 7,000 licenses for Egyptian investments in the Kingdom while trade between the two countries reached SR60 billion ($15.9 billion) in 2024, marking a 29 percent increase,” it added.
Egypt is working to strengthen its investment climate with policy and infrastructure reforms, said Hossam Heiba, CEO of Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones. He noted that a dedicated unit has been created to manage Saudi investment affairs and facilitate project delivery.
At the forum, officials from the Kingdom highlighted plans to boost investment via special economic zones focused on sectors such as cloud computing, logistics, and automotive manufacturing, as well as shipbuilding, food, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
Saudi Arabia is also pushing its National Initiative for Global Supply Chains to strengthen regional and global connectivity in key sectors.
The event builds on momentum from April’s Saudi-Egyptian Industrial Forum in Riyadh, where officials emphasized industrial integration and trade facilitation.
At the time, the Kingdom’s Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef said the Saudi Export-Import Bank had completed SR1.3 billion in operations with Egypt, underlining the depth of bilateral ties.
