Saudi’s Tadawul: a better prospect than Micex for foreign investors? July 23, 2014 They are both emerging market, oil-rich equity markets, but while Russia's Micex index has been open to foreign investors for a number of years, Saudi's Tadawul index will be opening up for the first time in 2015. The Tadawul is the Middle East's biggest equities market, and foreign investors have been eagerly awaiting the [...]
Putin has exposed a chilling truth about the West: It no longer exists July 22, 2014 Somehow Europe’s leaders have managed to undershoot even my subterranean expectations. Ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting yesterday to plan a common response to the Malaysia Airlines atrocity, leaks made it all too clear that this whole process would not amount to much. But the results – even for the EU – are almost comically [...]
Apple eyes record sales despite a slide in iPads July 22, 2014 TECH titan Apple expects its next iPhone launch in September to propel the firm to unprecedented fourth quarter sales of $40bn (£23.4bn). Despite its record guidance, Apple’s third quarter sales missed analysts’ expectations last night reaching just $37.4bn, short of the expected $38bn. Unit sales in Apple’s iPad division fell nine per cent on last [...]
Apple beats earnings expectations as investors look ahead to iPhone 6 and iWatch releases July 22, 2014 It's what Apple does next that really matters. The company's quarterly earnings figures saw it post a smaller than expected rise in revenue of six per cent as the tech giant continues to grow, albeit slower than anticipated, with subdued sales of iPhones and iPads in the three months to the end of June. In its [...]
Apple orders record number of new iPhone 6 handsets ahead of possible September release date July 22, 2014 Apple has ordered into production more iPhone 6 handsets than any other model before, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The paper is reporting that Apple has ordered 70-80m units which is to be split between the 4.7 and 5.5 inch models, both of which are larger than the current 4-inch screen on the [...]
Monitise share price jumps as firm agrees IBM partnership July 21, 2014 Mobile payments firm Monitise yesterday announced it has expanded its partnership with US business giant IBM to deploy new mobile banking, payments and commerce solutions. Shares in Monitise jumped 4.1 per cent yesterday to close up at 44p. The deal combines IBM’s financial services and retail industry expertise with Monitise’s mobile banking and payments capabilities. [...]
Apple adds BlackRock founder Sue Wagner to board of directors upping financial clout July 18, 2014 Sue Wagner, a founder of asset management firm BlackRock, has been appointed to Apple’s board as a replacement for the tech giant’s longest serving board member, Bill Campbell, who is retiring. Wagner’s appointment adds some heavyweight financial clout to the board with significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, hinting at the direction Apple might be [...]
Apple’s iPhone 6 to begin production next week ahead of possible September UK release date July 18, 2014 Apple's new iPhone looks set to begin production next month, with Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd manufacturing the majority of the new handsets. The widely anticipated iPhone 6 is expected to come in two sizes, one with a 4.7-inch screen and another at 5.5 inches. According to Taiwan's Economic Daily News, which did not cite sources, [...]
Cloud and big data boost IBM as it announces Apple partnership July 17, 2014 IBM reported higher-than-expected quarterly revenue and profits last night, as it pressed ahead with its shift to higher-end businesses such as big data, cloud computing, and security and mobile services. The business technology giant’s total revenue fell two per cent to $24.4bn (£14.3bn) in the second quarter, above analysts’ average estimate of $24.1bn. Profit rose [...]