Latest news with #Valecha
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Analysts see 15–25% upside in cement stocks despite valuation caution
Cement stocks are attracting buyers again. Prices have increased, and first quarter results are expected to be strong. UltraTech Cement and Ramco Cements show promising uptrends. Experts predict growth in the cement sector, driven by rising demand and cost efficiency. While near-term valuations may be full, cement remains a good long-term investment. Analysts recommend UltraTech and JK Cement. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: Shares of cement companies have seen renewed buying interest in the past few weeks following a rise in prices, expectations of strong first quarter results despite the onset of monsoons, and an expected FY26 rebound from circumspect sales last said that even on the technical charts, some stocks indicate a such as UltraTech Cement JK Cement and Shree Cement have advanced 5-11% in the past one month, recouping some of the losses made in the previous year. The benchmarks Nifty 50 and Nifty 500 have gained 1.8% and 1.7% in this period, respectively. Cement price hikes taken in June have sustained for the first time in a while, and coupled with reduced cash discounts, have kept net realisations for the companies stable through the first quarter," said Manish Valecha, research analyst at Anand Rathi Institutional Equities. "A low-base effect from last year, when growth slowed to 3-4% due to elections, is also expected to boost this year's growth to 7-8%, starting from Q1."Valecha also said that pet coke prices have remained stable, helping keep input costs in check. Petroleum coke, or pet coke is used as a fuel in the production Chandak, head of institutional equities at Elios Financial Services, said current Indian demand for cement is 440 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), which is likely to grow to 620 mtpa by 2030."After a benign couple of quarters, average cement prices rose by 8% year-on-year in Q1FY26, reaching ₹360 per bag. Declining input costs (especially coal and diesel) have led to margin improvements, and a sharp decline in interest rates further improves margins," he increase in demand, coupled with pricing power and cost efficiency is likely to keep buyers interested in cement stocks "Cement stocks have seen a renewed buying interest in the last couple of weeks with stocks within the sector witnessing price up moves supported by rising volumes," said Ruchit Jain, vice president at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Jain said that stocks like Ultratech Cement have given a breakout from 12-months consolidation phase indicating the start of a fresh uptrend. "We expect the stock to rally towards ₹13,200 in the short term while the ₹12,300-12,200 range is expected to act as a support," he said. This indicates 5.5% upside from Friday's also said that Ramco Cements too has been showing signs of outperformance within the sector and has a bullish set-up, it may move towards ₹1,200 in the short term. That would imply gains of almost 10% from its current said he expects strong first-quarter results in the sector, particularly from South-based companies."Valuations remain attractive, with large-caps offering 15-20% upside and midcaps likely to deliver 20-25% returns over the next year. We prefer UltraTech among large-caps and JK Cement in midcaps," he said that current valuations have priced in the near term positives, leaving little value on the table, but cement remains a good play over the 3-5 years period.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE gold prices: 22K gold hits Dh370+ today, last chance to lock in or wait for dip
UAE 22K gold crossed Dh370 on Tuesday, driven by global rate cut hopes and safe-haven demand/ Image: File Gold prices in Dubai have surged once again, crossing the Dh370-per-gram mark for 22K gold, a threshold that could prompt shoppers to rethink their buying plans. After weeks of relatively stable pricing that encouraged steady demand, this sharp increase is shifting market sentiment just as consumer confidence had begun to return. Gold Prices Climb Sharply: Current Rates and Recent Trends As of Tuesday afternoon, the retail gold price in Dubai for 22K gold has jumped more than Dh7 in just a matter of days. The rates now stand at: 24K gold: Dh403.75 per gram (≈ $110) 22K gold: Dh374.00 per gram (≈ $101.85) 21K gold: Dh358.25 per gram (≈ $97.60) 18K gold: Dh307.25 per gram (≈ $83.70) This upward move comes shortly after many UAE residents took advantage of prices around Dh365.75 ($99.60), locking in their purchases during what now appears to have been a brief window of stability. In recent weeks, jewellery retailers and the Gold Souk had seen increased footfall, with shoppers resuming purchases amid relatively calm pricing. But with gold now climbing sharply again, many potential buyers are likely to hold off in anticipation of a possible correction. Global Drivers Behind the Price Spike The price surge is not limited to the UAE. International spot gold prices climbed for a second consecutive day, reaching around $3,322 an ounce, up 0.6% on Tuesday in Asia, after rising 0.9% on Monday. Speaking to Gulf News , Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, attributed the rebound to multiple global pressures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sharp Design, Smoother Drives. Toyota Glanza Learn More Undo 'Despite recent losses from risk-off sentiment unwinding, gold has rebounded strongly after testing and bouncing off the long-term bullish trendline,' said Valecha. He further explained that market fears are being stoked by ongoing global uncertainties, including tensions in international trade and monetary policy decisions: 'Adding to gold's safe-haven appeal is the uncertainty surrounding trade deals with major countries, including President Trump's fresh tariff threats on Japan. With the Federal Reserve expected to cut interest rates later this year, gold is set to attract even more attention in the coming weeks,' Valecha added. Market watchers have noted that the recent strength in gold is also linked to macroeconomic cue, particularly speculation surrounding interest rate decisions by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Expectations of a rate cut have historically led to increased investor interest in non-yielding assets like gold. Market Sentiment: What Analysts and Traders Are Saying According to Vivek Dhar, an analyst at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, gold remains one of the strongest-performing assets in the current global market environment. 'Despite recent losses, gold has the most short-term potential to gain if the US dollar continues to weaken,' Dhar wrote in a client note. Investors are also watching key upcoming indicators, including the U.S. jobs report and a July 9 tariff deadline, which could influence the short-term direction of gold. Many traders believe unless prices fall significantly below $3,200 an ounce, a major correction is unlikely. Market insiders have pointed out that gold prices have already gained more than 25% so far this year, and the commodity now sits less than $200 away from its all-time high set in April 2025. Some analysts saw last week's brief decline as a routine pause in an otherwise upward trend, supported by ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflationary concerns that continue to drive demand for safe-haven assets. What It Means for UAE Gold Buyers With gold nearing a new local peak, shoppers in the UAE face a familiar dilemma, buy now before prices climb further, or wait for a potential pullback? The recent spike may cause hesitation, especially for casual buyers or tourists. However, those who locked in purchases last week at Dh365.75 ($99.60) may have acted at the perfect time. Looking ahead, most analysts agree that while volatility is likely to continue, the bias remains toward further upside, particularly if U.S. rate cuts materialize or new geopolitical risks emerge. For now, the market is sending a clear signal: gold remains a safe-haven asset in turbulent times, and those who wait too long might end up paying more.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Gold prices plunge further, losing over Dh11 per gram
Gold prices plunged further on Monday afternoon, taking the day's drop to over Dh11 per gram. The Dubai Jewellery Group data showed 24-karat trading at Dh389 per gram, down from Dh400.5 per gram at the close of the markets over the weekend. It was trading at Dh395.25 per gram when markets opened at 9am UAE time. Similarly, 22-karat, 21-karat and 18-karat slipped to Dh360, Dh345.25 and Dh295.75 per gram, respectively. Spot gold fell to $3,234 per ounce, down 2.7 per cent, at 5pm UAE time as the precious metal lost its appeal as a safe haven due to US-China temporarily agreeing to slash tariffs in order to defuse trade war. Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer of Century Financial, said gold's Friday rally was short-lived as prices stuck to intraday losses through the Asian session on Monday, and the latest optimism over a US-China trade deal undermined demand for traditional safe-haven assets. 'The US and China will temporarily lower tariffs on each other's products… in a move to cool trade tensions and give the world's two largest economies three more months to resolve their differences,' he said. The combined 145 per cent US levies on most Chinese imports will be reduced to 30 per cent including the rate tied to fentanyl by May 14, while the 125 per cent Chinese duties on US goods will drop to 10 per cent, according to the statement and officials in a briefing Monday. 'This, along with the Federal Reserve's pause on rate cuts, assisted the US dollar to stand firm near a multi-week top, exerting pressure on the commodity.' On the geopolitical front, Valecha added that risks have shown tentative signs of easing. Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 15, without preconditions. Meanwhile, Hamas announced plans to release Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage held in Gaza, and confirmed it will engage in direct discussions with the US aimed at achieving a ceasefire and resuming humanitarian aid. 'Looking ahead, the spotlight shifts to upcoming US inflation data and a key speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday. These events are likely to offer fresh insights into the Fed's monetary policy path and could play a pivotal role in shaping gold's trajectory in the near term,' added Valecha. He added that the yellow metal could test the psychological $3,200 level, followed by the $3,163 level. Resistance can be seen at $3,300, and any recovery above this level can solidify bullish momentum.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What you need to know if you're planning to move to Dubai
The statistics tell the story. In 2024, Henley & Partners' Private Wealth Migration Report revealed that 9,500 millionaires left the UK for better alternatives in Europe and Asia, many of them flying to the "millionaire magnet" UAE that happily welcomed 6,700 global high-networth individuals to its sunny shores. The trend continues well into 2025. The Gulf state's appeal is not surprising. World Bank data shows the UAE's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita hit $76,780 — about 35% higher than the UK's $56,780 in 2023. Add to the mix the much-vaunted "tax-free regime" and the lure of a luxury lifestyle — think waterfront villas, glitzy nightlife, and world-class dining — and you get an irresistible package. Largely crime-free cities with increasingly liberal social and legal norms make it easier than before for Westerners to integrate. If the UAE dream looks too good to be true, it's because it sometimes is. In a nation where Emiratis make up just 12% of the population, UK nationals have long been a familiar presence. But a sluggish economy, an uncertain dollar, and a weakened pound have accelerated the desire among both the ultra-wealthy and middle-class professionals to consider packing their bags. Today, around 240,000 Britons are estimated to live in Dubai — more than live in Oxford. Read more: 13 tips for a luxury holiday to Dubai However, beneath the glossy brochures, celebrity reels, and promises made by immigration consultants, can lie hidden costs and legal realities that demand due diligence. We spoke to UAE-based experts across finance, real estate, business, recruitment, and education for an essential guide on all that you need to know before making that big move. Recent data shows Dubai's cost of living is about 28%-30% lower than London's, with groceries, dining out, and utilities noticeably easier on the wallet. With just 5% VAT, compared to the UK's 20%, zero property taxes compared to £1,000-£4,000 annual council tax, a pro-business environment and streamlined company set-up, licensing and visa processes, Dubai appears to live up to the "work hard, save more, live large" mantra. However, Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer of investment firm Century Financial, sounds a warning bell on lifestyle inflation. 'In the UK, income tax of up to 45%, capital gains taxes, and a national insurance scheme can temper your earnings. With none of these taxes in the UAE, an expat gets more disposable income, which could lead to overspending,' he says. Valecha outlines typical monthly costs beyond rent and education — food (approximately £700 for a family of four), mandatory health insurance (£600), private transport (£500), utilities (£300), and entertainment (could vary widely). But it's the hidden expenses and the cumulative costs of car ownership, insurance, fines, and lifestyle that often derail newcomers' financial plans. Valecha's game plan for staying ahead: Automate 20%-30% of income into global and regional investments ranging from equities and fixed-income products to high-yield UAE real estate. Build an emergency fund and make early retirement plans through International Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) or UAE-specific pension schemes. Hedge against currency swings with multi-currency accounts and time remittances smartly. Be mindful of obligations like UK inheritance tax (IHT), now linked to residency rather than domicile status. Prioritise estate planning and register wills with DIFC Wills Service or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Work only with licensed advisors registered with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), or RERA to mitigate risks and stay ahead of evolving tax laws. High living standards, the absence of property taxes and stamp duty, and good returns make a compelling case for the UAE's residential real estate market, now valued at around $390bn. With Abu Dhabi and Dubai's average apartment price registering a year-on-year increase of nearly 11% and 18%, respectively, and average villa values growing by about 12% and 20%, hedging on the burgeoning UAE real estate scene works well for an expat. Incidentally, UK residents accounted for nearly 15% of all foreign real estate transactions in 2024. The reasons are familiar — steady growth fueled by immigration, job creation, and heavy public investment in cultural and tourist infrastructure. Ben Crompton, managing partner of Crompton Partners, Abu Dhabi, highlights strong activity in the luxury segment. "The super-prime areas of Saadiyat and Yas Islands in Abu Dhabi have given the best returns for capital appreciation. For rental yields, communities like Reem Island offer up to 8% gross return on investment," he says. Read more: How to save money on a holiday to Dubai In the "renting versus buying" debate, Crompton advises expats to carefully weigh their options. Ready-built units offer immediate rental income, while off-plan properties may provide stronger capital gains. With mortgage rates around 4% and nonresidents able to borrow up to 50% of a property's value, Crompton believes it's wise to buy a house. "Buying is simple here, but conveyancing is handled by agents, not lawyers. So always deal with reputable companies, whether renting or buying," he cautions. Meanwhile, in Dubai, large-scale villa and townhouse communities as well as waterfront and green developments alongside new areas like Port Rashid, Maritime City, The Valley, and Dubai South are proving particularly attractive. "Make strategic choices about where to live versus where to invest. Some areas offer stable living environments, while others deliver higher ROI," advises Eyal Ashur, sales consultant at Dubai-based AQUA Properties. "But new arrivals should rent in the short term. Rules here are simpler than in Europe. You can rent as soon as you get your Emirates ID." Ashur also points to the appeal of the UAE's Golden Visa. "With the two-million-dirham threshold, expats can now secure long-term residency and sponsor direct family members, even with a mortgage," he says. A 5% VAT rate, pro-investor policies, world-class infrastructure and connectivity, and a thriving expat business scene have turned the UAE into an attractive playground for entrepreneurs. Ananda Shakespeare, founder of leading PR firm Shakespeare Communications, made the move in 2005 and has watched the landscape transform over the years. She highlights a major shift for the positive sentiment — the UAE's move to a Monday-Friday work week from Sunday-Thursday, better aligning with Western markets. "Setting up here is more expensive than in the UK," Shakespeare notes. "It's not just the licence; there are extras that aren't always obvious upfront. Every employee visa comes with added costs — medicals, Emirates ID, labour card, etc. But once established, the payoff is worth it. You can renew online annually and pay fees remotely. Plus, there are more options now for company formations and residence visas, including the 10-year Golden Visa." For many, free zones are the biggest lure, offering 100% foreign ownership, no personal tax, very low corporate tax, and full profit repatriation. But whether you opt for a free zone or mainland setup, Shakespeare advises bringing in solid HR and legal support to stay compliant. "Always get a full cost breakdown in writing before you start,' she says. "Business is competitive but open. Informal networking and coffee meetings can go a long way. And when launching, partner with an established PR agency to spread the word." For UK families moving to the UAE, the education landscape offers a familiar yet globally enriched experience. State-of-the-art facilities, resources, extracurricular programmes, and easy accessibility to UK university pathways have made institutions like Nord Anglia Education (NAS) schools, Swiss International Scientific School, Sunmarke School, GEMS, and Repton popular among British expats. The demand for British curriculum schools has surged. Nicholas Rickford, principal of Sunmarke School, notes a marked increase in enquiries from UK-based parents following the announcement of VAT on private school fees. "British families often tell us they are drawn by the range of academic pathways we offer — including GCSEs, A-Levels, the IB Diploma and BTECs — along with strong pastoral care and a commitment to holistic development," he says. Read more: How to plan for retirement and track your pension pot income However, for expat families, private schooling with steep fees is the only option available. At a premium school like Sunmarke, annual fees range from approximately £11,000 for early years to about £18,000 in the sixth form. Yet, compared to the UK private day school fees — typically between £15,000 and £25,000 — the UAE offers competitive value while adhering to regulatory standards and ratings by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and accreditations like British Schools Overseas (BSO). And then there is the advantage of multicultural learning. Maria Murgian, director of communications at NAS, points to smaller class sizes, a highly qualified (mostly UK-trained) international teaching staff, and modern facilities as key advantages her school offers over many UK counterparts. "We have students from 98 nationalities, which creates a more diverse learning environment and prepares students for a globalised world," she says. To choose the best school, Murgian recommends factoring in curriculum offerings, KHDA ratings, location, tuition costs, and facilities. 'But also note how a school's values align with those of the family. Think about the environment your child will thrive in and how transparent the school is in communicating with parents,' she says. Rickford advises parents to begin applications between late September and November with previous school reports and transfer certificates on hand to ease the process. "Most importantly, visit several schools virtually or in person to really understand its atmosphere, teaching approach, and support systems." Eyeing career opportunities? There's both good and bad news. Specialist fields, tech, AI, cybersecurity, data science, cloud infrastructure, performance marketing, e-commerce, financial services, and luxury consumer brands are hot. But the landscape is fiercely competitive, driven by the sheer volume of talent flowing in from across the globe. Justin McGuire, CEO and co-founder of the MENA region at MCG Talent, says, "If you're in a niche vertical or have experience in areas like AI or cloud, you'll have more luck. But the bar's never been higher." Credentials aside, what employers seek is regional know-how, more precisely, UAE or Middle East experience. "You could have a stack of certifications and a shiny CV, but if you don't understand how things operate here — how business gets done, decisions are made, and the cultural dynamics — you'll struggle," McGuire says. "Senior commercial roles with proven GCC results are what get traction." Salaries, too, require a reality check. "Don't expect high salaries or quick offers without regional experience or a niche skill set. Many salaries are now benchmarked locally, not to what you earned in the UK. The tax-free element helps, but base salaries aren't what they were in 2015," he says. McGuire's advice: "Don't move here without a job. The UAE is not the place to roll the dice. Treat job hunts like a campaign — start early, build connections, engage in online communities, and find someone who knows someone. Relationships still count more than CVs." Read more: Who wears the financial trousers in your relationship? 8 intriguing homes with links to World War Two Five questions you shouldn't be asked in a job interviewError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai fuel delivery operator CAFU mulls stake sale
CAFU, the Dubai-based fuel delivery operator, is mulling a stake sale as the company looks to raise funds. According to a Bloomberg report, the fuel delivery service is reportedly collaborating with financial advisory and asset management firm Lazard, Inc for the stake sale. Lazard established its offices in Abu Dhabi, earlier this month in a bid to deepen its presence in the MENA region. Founded in 2018 by Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Al Ghurair, CAFU delivers fuel at gas station prices and has expanded to Canada. News of the stake sale came shortly after CAFU announced it was rolling out delivery charges, which had been suspended in the aftermath of COVID-19. Diverse IPO offering According to Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer, Century Financial, a possible CAFU stake sale would bring a diverse offering to the UAE's IPO pipeline. 'For new entrants to the UAE and Gulf digital tech startup space, CAFU's business model idea has served as a benchmark for best integrating and evolving traditional business models into the new online and digital tech space,' Valecha said. Globally, CAFU's business model has served well in several countries, with Valecha calling North America as the biggest market for this segment with services including Yoshi, Gaston, Ez Fill, Booster & Fuelster, along with American oil companies Shell and Mobil having also introduced their services in this segment. For the UAE, a possible listing by CAFU tracks with analyst data that have pointed out a growing theme around technology in the short to mid-term IPO pipeline. (Writing by Bindu Rai, editing by Seban Scaria)
