Latest news with #CenturyFinancial
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Geopolitical uncertainty, oil prices stable, gold prices rise
Muscat: Oil prices remained largely stable on Monday, with Crude trading at $68.60 and WTI at $65.85, balancing new European sanctions targeting Russian oil with concerns that escalating tariffs could stifle fuel demand, even as OPEC producers increase output. The EU's 18th sanctions package aims to cut Russia's oil revenues by banning imports of petroleum products refined from Russian crude, even when processed in third countries like India, and imposing a dynamic price cap, according to Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer, Century Financial. Despite these measures, prices haven't sharply fallen, partly due to ongoing geopolitical factors, shifting trade routes, and market uncertainties, including U.S.-China trade talks and supply disruptions like Canadian wildfires. Adding to the complexity, US President Donald Trump has threatened sanctions on Russian oil buyers and new tariffs on the EU, while upcoming Iran nuclear talks further cloud the future supply outlook, creating a tug-of-war between bearish pressures from increased supply and demand worries and bullish risks from sanctions and other uncertainties. Gold is up by about 0.55% today. From a fundamental standpoint, the ongoing episode over central bank independence and policy direction triggered safe-haven buying last week. Although the momentum seems to have faded, the tensions remain. Gold prices in Oman 24k - RO42.500 22k- RO39.750 18k- RO31.400 From a technical standpoint, the commodity is trading at the neckline of an ascending triangle formation, with a price mark of $3,364-$3,374. A break above the $3,374 price mark signals the bullish trend, with targets extending towards $3,436. On the contrary, a break of the trendline support connecting the lows of $2,832 on 28th February, $2,956 on 7th April, $3,247 on 30th June, $3,282 on 9th July, and $3,309 on 17th July triggers a bearish trend. The nearest support levels are at $3,345, followed by $3,331 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Geopolitical Uncertainty: Oil prices stable, gold prices rise
Muscat: Oil prices remained largely stable on Monday, with Crude trading at $68.60 and WTI at $65.85, balancing new European sanctions targeting Russian oil with concerns that escalating tariffs could stifle fuel demand, even as OPEC producers increase output. The EU's 18th sanctions package aims to cut Russia's oil revenues by banning imports of petroleum products refined from Russian crude, even when processed in third countries like India, and imposing a dynamic price cap, according to Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer, Century Financial. Despite these measures, prices haven't sharply fallen, partly due to ongoing geopolitical factors, shifting trade routes, and market uncertainties, including U.S.-China trade talks and supply disruptions like Canadian wildfires. Adding to the complexity, US President Donald Trump has threatened sanctions on Russian oil buyers and new tariffs on the EU, while upcoming Iran nuclear talks further cloud the future supply outlook, creating a tug-of-war between bearish pressures from increased supply and demand worries and bullish risks from sanctions and other uncertainties. Gold is up by about 0.55% today. From a fundamental standpoint, the ongoing episode over central bank independence and policy direction triggered safe-haven buying last week. Although the momentum seems to have faded, the tensions remain. Gold prices in Oman 24k - RO42.500 22k- RO39.750 18k- RO31.400 From a technical standpoint, the commodity is trading at the neckline of an ascending triangle formation, with a price mark of $3,364-$3,374. A break above the $3,374 price mark signals the bullish trend, with targets extending towards $3,436. On the contrary, a break of the trendline support connecting the lows of $2,832 on 28th February, $2,956 on 7th April, $3,247 on 30th June, $3,282 on 9th July, and $3,309 on 17th July triggers a bearish trend. The nearest support levels are at $3,345, followed by $3,331
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Bitcoin surge signals cryptocurrencies going mainstream
The new all-time high that Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, hit on Monday signals a long-term structural shift in how digital assets are integrated into the global financial system, analysts say. According to Reuters data, Bitcoin scaled a record high of $123,153.22 before pulling back slightly to trade 2.4 per cent higher around $122,000. Starting on Monday, the US House of Representatives have started to debate a series of bills to provide the digital asset industry with the nation's regulatory framework it has long demanded. 'The surge in bitcoin, which is up 29 per cent for the year thus far, has sparked a broader rally across other cryptocurrencies over the past few weeks even in the face of Trump's chaotic tariffs,' said Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer, Century Financial. Ether, the second-largest token, scaled an over five-month top of $3,048.23 on Monday and last stood at $3,036.24. The sector's total market value has swelled to about $3.78 trillion. 'As adoption deepens and infrastructure improves, we expect continued momentum and stronger collaboration between crypto-native platforms and traditional financial institutions,' Lennix Lai, Chief Commercial Officer, OKX, told Khaleej Times. Bitcoin's breakout above $120,000 marks a pivotal shift, fuelled by pro-crypto sentiment from the Trump campaign, strong ETF inflows, and increasing corporate treasury allocations. These drivers signal a sustained bullish trend heading into Q3 2025, with BTC projected to average around $125,000. Analysts expect a trading range of $105,000 to $150,000, with key levels at $108,500 support and $130,000 resistance serving as critical markers for momentum confirmation, analysts say. Ethereum is also gaining strength, currently trading between $2,800 and $3,000, supported by continued ETF demand, the upcoming Pectra upgrade, and expanding DeFi activity. ETH is forecasted to average $3,800 in Q3, with upside potential toward $5,000 if it can clear the $3,700 resistance. However, downside risks remain: a Bitcoin correction or shifting regulatory landscape could push ETH back to $2,700. 'Long-term fundamentals remain solid, bolstered by 34.6 million ETH staked and rising institutional interest, though volatility and competitive pressure from chains like Solana warrant a cautious approach. Traders should prepare for 10–30 per cent swings and monitor macroeconomic developments closely,' Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget Research, told Khaleej Times. While investor interest continues to grow, the most significant catalysts for this milestone have been the record inflows into regulated Bitcoin ETFs, the passing of favorable legislation in key markets, and the rising adoption of stablecoins as a foundational layer for capital mobility across the digital asset ecosystem. 'As traditional asset classes experience shifts in performance, more investors are turning to Bitcoin, stablecoins, and gold as long-term value stores and diversification tools, with Bitcoin now perceived as a long-term strategic reserve within both the retail and institutional sectors, as well as to central banks,' Lai said. The introduction of regulated ETFs has opened the door to new capital from institutional investors, while progressive legislation has enhanced trust and reduced barriers to entry. 'At the same time, stablecoins are playing a critical role in facilitating real-time access to markets, enabling frictionless transitions between fiat and crypto, and amplifying liquidity across exchanges. These forces combined are not only fueling price appreciation but are accelerating the broader institutionalization of crypto,' Lai added. Devika Mittal, Regional Head at Ava Labs, stressed that the bouquet of legislation being debated at the US Congress is expected to bring some much-needed structure to the Wild West of digital assets. 'It's a bold move that demonstrates how far we've come from the days when cryptocurrency was viewed as a fringe investment. The timing couldn't be better, as countries like Vietnam are starting to embrace crypto themselves, following America's lead in the global digital economy. Wall Street's big players have been waiting on the sidelines for clearer rules, and these bills could finally give them the confidence to dive in,' she said. But it's not just about attracting big money - there's real attention being paid to protecting everyday investors from scams and sketchy practices. 'What's really striking is how the conversation in the US has evolved. Instead of treating crypto with suspicion, lawmakers are now actively working to help the industry thrive while keeping it transparent. It's a remarkable turnaround that could reshape our understanding of digital assets and blockchain,' Mittal said. Some analysts sound a note of cautioned over the current market euphoria. Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, India's second-longest running digital asset exchange, noted that the crypto fear and greed index currently stands at 70, indicating that the market is overheated and due for a correction. 'However, single day inflow into crypto funds on July 11 (latest recorded data) stood at a staggering $1.23 billion, out of which, Bitcoin ETFs contributed nearly $1.03 billion. This massive inflow of institutional money coupled with euphoria around the US 'Crypto Week', which kicks off today, is driving the current crypto rally,' he added.
The National
04-07-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE's federal regulation of robo-advisory services aimed to protect retail investors
The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority 's approval of regulation for robo-advisory services this week will help establish a secure digital investment environment in the country, experts have said. Licensed portfolio management firms such as large banks and financial firms are now authorised to provide robo-advisory services through digital platforms that utilise artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms to deliver automated investment recommendations. However, robo-advisory services will remain subject to client agreements, the SCA announced. Robo-advisers are digital investment platforms that calculate an investor's risk tolerance based on a series of questions. Using automated algorithms, they then assign investors a tailored investment portfolio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or index funds. Typically, they charge lower fees compared with traditional financial advisers and wealth managers. 'The specialty of this regulation is that robo-advisory services are now legally regulated on a nationwide level by the SCA,' said Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer of Century Financial. 'Platforms that already offer robo-advisory services in the UAE are currently only regulated by DIFC or FSRA (ADGM) laws, which are financial free zones,' he added, referring to Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi's Financial Services Regulatory Authority. 'Therefore, the laws in these free zones are different from the country's laws. For example, Sarwa is regulated by FSRA in Abu Dhabi, while StashAway is regulated by DIFC.' Having robo-advisory services regulated on a federal level, nationwide, would provide further protection and transparency to retail investors, as these platforms will be scrutinised on a deeper level, Mr Valecha said. It will also help to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the UAE financial markets across the world, he added. Assets under management in the global robo-advisory market are projected to reach $2.06 trillion in 2025, according to Statista, while the number of users is expected to reach 34 million by 2029. Retail investors are increasingly seeking direct access to markets with the help of technology, leading to a surge in popularity for zero-commission trading apps such as Robinhood, eToro and Interactive Brokers, as well as robo-advisers in the UAE including Sarwa, StashAway and Baraka. Robo-advisers in the UAE will now operate under strict governance guidelines, such as independent IT audits, strong cybersecurity systems, regular investment algorithm reviews, and transparent disclosure of fees and risks to ensure investor protection, the SCA announced. The new SCA licence allows robo-advisers to directly serve customers in mainland UAE and is a 'positive step' towards expanding digital investing in the UAE, said Raaed Sheibani, country manager – UAE at digital wealth manager StashAway. 'As regulatory support grows, more people will have access to the tools they need to build long-term wealth – that's a win for everyone. We also welcome a more cohesive framework across regulators, ensuring that clients can access services from digital players licensed by different UAE regulators with confidence,' Mr Sheibani added. Robo-advisers offer benefits like low cost and accessibility, but they also have 'notable drawbacks', warned Rupert Connor, partner at Abacus Financial Consultants. They typically offer a standardised set of investment options, primarily ETFs and index funds, which may not always align with an individual's preferences or financial planning goals, he said. They may not also be suitable for investors with complex financial situations, such as estate planning and tax optimisation, or significant life events like inheritance or business exits, or those seeking personalised investment strategies, he cited. Robo-advisers can often be problematic during market volatility or periods of emotional stress, as algorithms may not be able to provide the same level of reassurance and guidance as a human adviser, Mr Connor explained. 'For someone who is just beginning their financial planning journey by saving a modest amount on a monthly basis or a lump sum investment, a robo-adviser is their friend,' he added. "Once a portfolio reaches a certain level, then perhaps the guidance of an adviser is prudent as a robot will never be able to truly manage one's wealth." Agreeing with this, Jay Adrian Tolentino, a UAE-based financial coach, said the recommendations of robo-advisers is based only on the data you enter, such as age, risk appetite and investment horizon, so it 'may miss important personal context'. The investment decisions are driven by fixed algorithms, which may not respond well to unusual market conditions. While fees are usually lower than human advisers, there may still be limitations in terms of flexibility, customisation, or support when markets are volatile, Mr Tolentino warned. Robo-advisers also offer limited flexibility. Investors who want to focus on specific sectors, regions, or asset classes may find robo-advisers too rigid, as their portfolios are typically based on preset models, Mr Valecha highlighted. 'Relying too much on automation comes with its own risks. Though rare, technical issues like system outages, software glitches, or problems connecting with custodian platforms can disrupt how investments are executed,' he warned.
CNBC
03-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
UAE and Saudi Arabia are big gainers from a weaker USD: Strategist
Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer for Middle East markets at Century Financial says the UAE and Saudi Arabia would benefit the most among Gulf countries from a weakening U.S. dollar. He also discusses the outlook for tariffs and trade deals, saying the UAE could do a deal with India, and potentially Japan, both of which would impact the region's markets more than a deal with the U.S.
