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Turbulence in technology stocks could ratchet higher in the coming week as investors react to the quarterly report from Nvidia Corp, the world's largest company by market value that is at the heart of Wall Street's artificial intelligence trade. On Thursday, the benchmark S&P 500 equity index gave up gains from earlier in the week, as uncertainty about the economic outlook and path for US interest rates undercut optimism over the end of the longest-ever US government shutdown. Investors remained skittish about vulnerability to technology shares, which stumbled this month on concerns AI exuberance has driven up valuations to expensive levels. With its AI chips, semiconductor giant Nvidia has been a bellwether for the theme that has lifted shares of an array of tech names as well as other companies involved in the vast infrastructure expansion to support AI use. Nvidia is the "epicentre" of the build-out of AI, so its results after the bell on Wednesday will be important to the tech sector as well as areas such as industrials and utilities, said Matt Orton, chief market strategist at Raymond James Investment Management. "If you don't see the growth that I think the market is expecting around Nvidia or the positive commentary that we are likely to get from Nvidia going forward, I think you're going to see more of a dent to those sorts of trades," Orton said. Nvidia shares have soared about 1,000% since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. This includes a year-to-date gain of nearly 40% that made Nvidia the first company to surpass $5tn in market value last month. That market heft means the stock's moves can sway equity indexes. Nvidia carries an 8% weight in the S&P 500 and a roughly 10% weight in the widely followed Nasdaq 100. **media[381893]** Analysts on average expect the company to post a 53.8% year-over-year rise in fiscal third quarter earnings per share, on revenue of $54.8bn, according to LSEG. Analysts have also been getting more bullish about the company's future performance, with expectations for the company's fiscal 2027 revenue rising 15% since late May to about $285bn currently, according to LSEG data. "The assumptions that the market is making are positive, it's getting priced into the stock, and how the company guides will be very important," said Melissa Otto, head of research at S&P Global Visible Alpha. Investors will also focus on commentary from Nvidia related to demand or spending trends. Capital expenditures from hyperscalers such as Microsoft and Amazon earlier in the reporting season indicated no signs of slowing in the build-out of data centres and other AI infrastructure. "You're not supposed to have any weakness given all the capital spending commitments from various companies," said Jimmy Chang, chief investment officer of Rockefeller Global Family Office. "Demand should still be looking pretty solid in the current environment." Nvidia's report is one of the biggest remaining market catalysts in 2025. The S&P 500 is logging a roughly 15% year-to-date gain, but Wall Street is wary of concerns stocks are in an "AI bubble." Investors appear to be bringing more scrutiny to AI investment announcements, said James Ragan, co-CIO and director of investment management research at DA Davidson. **media[381894]** "We're moving into a stage where investors are going to demand a little bit more proof of concept in terms of what are the returns, what are the cash flows," Ragan said. Aside from Nvidia's results, quarterly earnings from retailers are due in the coming week including from Walmart and Home Depot. There could also be a batch of economic data releases that were delayed during the shutdown. While the S&P 500 tech sector has struggled so far this month, other sectors are logging solid gains in that time, including healthcare, materials and financials. "There's a realisation that for investors, maybe that AI is not the only game in town," Ragan said.

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Thanks to its thriving economy, investor-friendly policies, and unmatched access to global markets, the UAE offers the perfect environment for ambitious business owners seeking to grow internationally. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or established enterprise, expanding to the UAE can open doors to limitless opportunities. For many entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country’s progressive reforms, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure make it an obvious next step for scaling up operations and entering new markets. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why entrepreneurs are expanding their business to the UAE — from economic advantages and access to global trade routes to lifestyle benefits and government support. A strategic global location One of the most compelling reasons to expand to the UAE is its prime geographical position. Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country acts as a natural bridge connecting global markets. Entrepreneurs benefit from: Access to 2 billion consumers within a four-hour flight radiusWorld-class logistics hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port—two of the busiest in the worldTime zone advantage, allowing businesses to operate efficiently across both eastern and western markets For e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and service providers, this strategic positioning enables faster trade, lower transportation costs, and smoother global coordination. The UAE’s connectivity through air, sea, and digital infrastructure makes it the ultimate gateway for international expansion. Investor-friendly business environment The UAE government continues to implement reforms that make doing business simpler, faster, and more transparent. Over the years, the country has built a reputation as one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world — reflected in its consistently high ranking on global ease-of-doing-business indexes. Some of the standout features include: 100% foreign ownership in most business sectorsNo personal income tax and highly competitive corporate tax ratesEase of company formation through digital and paperless systemsStable and reliable legal framework based on international standards Free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah further simplify the process by offering entrepreneurs attractive benefits such as zero customs duties, full profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing procedures. These factors combine to create a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that nurtures business growth. Access to a diversified and resilient economy While the UAE’s economy was once largely dependent on oil, today it is one of the most diversified in the region. Non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, finance, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy now contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. This diversification offers entrepreneurs a range of opportunities to invest and expand: Technology and innovation: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are developing into regional innovation hubs, home to incubators, accelerators, and fintech companies.Tourism and hospitality: Millions of visitors travel to the UAE every year, creating demand for unique experiences, services, and products.Green energy and sustainability: The UAE’s Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050 strategies open the door to investors in clean technology and sustainability. By operating in a diversified economy, entrepreneurs reduce risk exposure to single-sector fluctuations and position themselves within an ecosystem built for long-term growth. Advanced infrastructure and digital transformation Another reason why global entrepreneurs are drawn to the UAE is its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to digital innovation. The country consistently ranks among the top globally in infrastructure quality, telecommunications, and smart city initiatives. Key infrastructure advantages: High-speed connectivity and widespread 5G coverageWorld-leading ports and logistics facilities for seamless imports and exportsFree zone and business parks designed specifically for startups and international companiesSmart government services that allow entrepreneurs to handle business registration, licensing, and visa applications online Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing push toward becoming fully digital economies means that entrepreneurs can easily manage operations remotely, leverage e-government platforms, and integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain into their business models. This focus on innovation creates a competitive edge for businesses that rely on automation, data analytics, and digital tools to scale efficiently. Quality of life and talent attraction Beyond its business advantages, the UAE offers one of the highest standards of living in the world, making it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and employees alike. Safe cities, modern healthcare, world-class education, and a vibrant multicultural community attract top talent from across the globe. Lifestyle and workforce benefits include:A cosmopolitan environment with residents from over 200 nationalitiesTax-free personal income, allowing professionals to maximize earningsAccess to skilled labor, particularly in finance, technology, and creative industriesResidency and long-term visa options for investors, business owners, and highly skilled workers Entrepreneurs who establish their companies in the UAE can also benefit from programs such as the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, which offer long-term residency and stability for business owners and their families. This combination of professional opportunity and exceptional lifestyle makes the UAE not only a place to do business but also a place to build a future. **media[372572]** The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from every corner of the world — and for good reason. Its strategic location, pro-business policies, diverse economy, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life make it one of the best places globally to expand operations and achieve long-term growth. For entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country provides everything needed for success: stability, innovation, access to global markets, and an environment designed for entrepreneurship. Expanding your business to the UAE isn’t just a smart move — it’s a step toward building a brand that thrives on the global stage.

Gold prices edged lower on Thursday, weighed down by a firmer dollar as investors looked forward to key US inflation data later this week for more cues on the interest rate path. Spot gold slipped 0.3% to $4,082.95 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.8% to $4,097.40 per ounce. Prices have surged about 56% since January, touching an all-time high of $4,381.21 per ounce on Monday. The rally has been driven by a mix of economic uncertainty, expectations of interest rate cuts, and strong buying by central banks across the world. Spot silver fell 0.4% to $48.31 per ounce, extending its decline after reaching record highs earlier this month. Platinum slipped 1.4% to $1,598.65 per ounce, while palladium also dropped 1.4% to $1,438.47 per ounce.

Minister of Labour of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mohamed Abdel Aziz Gibran discussed with His Excellency Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, Board Member of the Qatar Chamber, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the economic and investment fields and to encourage Qatari investors to enter the Egyptian market. The two sides also reviewed Egypt's labor law during the meeting and explored mechanisms to overcome challenges facing investors in the Egyptian labor market. During the discussions, he reviewed the latest amendments to the Egyptian Labour Law, which include the establishment of an emergency fund to support workers and struggling companies, as well as the creation of an entity dedicated to training and upgrading workers' skills. He noted that the new law aims to foster a stimulating work environment conducive to investment and to support a secure and stable investment climate in Egypt. The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the Minister's recent visit to Qatar, during which he met with representatives of the Qatari private sector. The visit resulted in positive understandings aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of labor, training, and employment. For his part, Al Obaidli praised the deep fraternal relations between Qatar and Egypt, affirming the Qatar Chamber's keenness to expand cooperation between the two countries across economic, commercial, and investment domains.

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed a ceasefire deal in Gaza that could ease geopolitical tensions in the Middle East against stalled peace talks in Ukraine. Brent Crude futures rose 2 cents to $66.27 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1 cent to $62.54. Prices had gained around 1% on Wednesday to reach a one-week high after investors viewed stalled progress on an Ukraine peace deal as a sign that sanctions against Russia will continue for some time.

Gold surged past the $4,000 mark per ounce for the first time in history on Wednesday, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid intensifying economic and geopolitical uncertainties and growing expectations of further interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Spot gold rose 0.1% to $4,021.22 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery advanced 0.5% to $4,025 per ounce. Traditionally viewed as a store of value in times of instability, gold has been one of the strongest-performing assets in 2025, soaring 53% year-to-date after posting a 27% gain in 2024. In other precious metals markets, spot silver increased 0.5% to $48.03 per ounce, platinum rose 2.2% to $1,653.21, and palladium climbed 1.3% to $1,355.32.

Gold surged to a fresh record high on Tuesday as investors sought safe-haven assets amid a prolonged US government shutdown and growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut later this month. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,974.09 per ounce, trading near its all-time high of $3,977.19 earlier in the session. US gold futures for December delivery gained 0.5% to $3,996.40. The precious metal has climbed 51% so far this year, supported by strong central bank purchases, robust inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds, a weaker dollar, and increased demand from retail investors seeking protection amid heightened geopolitical and trade tensions. In other precious metals, spot silver was little changed at $48.52 per ounce, platinum rose 0.1% to $1,626.55, and palladium advanced 0.9% to $1,330.91.

European shares were flat on Wednesday, with gains in heavyweight healthcare stocks offsetting the decline in the broader market, as investors fretted over a potential delay in the closely-watched US jobs data. The pan-European STOXX 600 (.STOXX), opened new tab held steady at 557.9 points, after posting its third successive monthly gain in September. Local bourses were mixed. Germany's DAX was down 0.5%, while the UK's FTSE 100 climbed 0.2% to an all-time high. Healthcare stocks jumped 2.7%, and Novartis gained 2.8%.

Qatar and Oman Wednesday called for efforts to activate the business council and develop a joint executive action plan to boost trade as Muscat outlines 78 investment opportunities for Qatari investors in variegated fields.Oman showcased investment opportunities in fisheries, food and pharmaceutical industries, manufacturing, technology, minerals, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture at a meeting hosted by Qatar Chamber (QC) with Qais bin Mohammed al-Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of Oman, and his accompanying delegation.Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar Chamber chairman, who received the delegation, said the bilteral economic relations have witnessed remarkable development in recent years, as the volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Oman reached about QR6.2bn in 2024, recording a growth of 17% on an annualised basis.Apart from exploring the possibility of organising an annual Qatari-Omani trade exhibition, the meeting "underlined the need to activate the Qatari-Omani business council and to develop a joint executive action plan aimed at boosting trade exchange and expanding areas of cooperation."Highlighting the promising and diverse opportunities in both countries, Sheikh Khalifa said they provide a solid foundation for enhancing cooperation and implementing joint projects of added value.He called on business owners in both countries to explore the investment opportunities available in both sides.The Omani minister said the Qatari-Omani business forum, held on the sidelines of the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Oman, had a significant impact on strengthening relations between the business communities of the two countries and paved the way for further cooperation between companies on both sides.He said that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are in the process of entering into several free trade agreements with a number of countries, which will create greater opportunities for cooperation between Qatari and Omani investors to access foreign markets.The Omani delegation highlighted that the 22 free economic and industrial zones provide investment opportunities in logistics, food industries, tourism, mining, education, innovation, technology, health, and additional sectors.Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, second vice-chairman of the Qatar Chamber, said Qatari businessmen enjoy strong ties with their Omani counterparts and highlighted the shared desire to further enhance this cooperation, with the aim of contributing to stimulating mutual and joint investments and strengthening trade exchange between the two countries.

A spate of inflation data confronts US stock investors in the coming week as markets grapple with fresh uncertainty over tariffs and government bond yields, while equities hover at lofty valuations. The benchmark S&P 500 index closed at a record high on Thursday despite an uneven start to September, which has been the worst month for stocks on average over the past 35 years. Stocks were pulling back on Friday after the monthly US employment report showed job growth weakened in August."September has been known to see a wearing down of the sentiment picture," said Matthew Miskin, co-chief investment strategist at Manulife John Hancock Investments. At the same time, he said, "stocks aren't pricing in a lot of risks right now. They look fully valued."The monthly US consumer price index on Thursday highlights next week's economic releases, with investors focused on signals from the inflation data about the prospects for interest rate cuts and the fallout from tariffs on prices. Following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks late last month that flagged rising risks to employment, markets have been widely expecting the central bank to lower rates for the first time in nine months at its September 16-17 meeting.Investors bet on even more accelerated easing after the weak jobs report.Fed Funds futures were baking in a 90% chance of a quarter-point rate cut at the meeting, and a roughly 10% chance of a heftier half-percentage point cut, LSEG data as of Friday afternoon showed.Only a CPI number that comes in "egregiously higher" than estimates could dent assumptions of imminent monetary policy easing, said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth.About 70 basis points of easing, or nearly three standard cuts, are projected by December, according to the futures data.Recently, "the prospect of the Fed cutting has been the overwhelming factor driving equity sentiment to be more positive," Miskin said. "And so if that reverses, then it could be problematic for equities."Along with CPI, a Wednesday report on producer prices could also reveal impacts from import tariffs. Last month's PPI data showed US producer prices increased by the most in three years in July as the costs of goods and services surged. Tariffs and their economic implications were the main risk facing markets earlier this year, but other factors such as questions over Fed independence and caution about the artificial intelligence trade have been more prominent recently.The issue returned to the fore this week after a US appeals court ruled that most of President Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal. While the Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to hear a bid to preserve the sweeping tariffs, the ruling injected fresh uncertainty for markets."It felt as though the fog of trade war was clearing, and now we're just back into the thick of it," Hogan said. "And that doesn't help corporate America make decisions, consumers make decisions, and investors make decisions."The potential of lost tariff revenue exacerbating the US fiscal deficit was one factor investors said may have driven long-dated US government debt yields sharply higher at the start of the week, moves that also followed big jumps in yields in the UK and other regions. While long-dated yields globally have since calmed, their spikes were cited as contributing to stock weakness initially during the week.The 30-year US Treasury yield this week hit 5% for the first time in over a month. That yield level has been "problematic" for risk appetite over the past few years, said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The long-bond yield was last around 4.78%, with yields falling broadly on Friday after the jobs data.The S&P 500 was up about 10% so far in 2025, helped recently by a solid second-quarter earnings season. The S&P 500's price-to-earnings ratio climbed to 22.4 times, based on earnings estimates for the next 12 months, a valuation well above its long-term average of 15.9, according to LSEG Datastream."Investors face ongoing threats from trade and tariff unknowns as well as potential economic releases that could ultimately challenge elevated stock valuations," Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise Financial, wrote in a commentary."That said, investors have been navigating those dynamics for months, and stocks have continued to grind higher."

Saudi Arabia’s battered stock market is looking increasingly attractive to foreign investors because of rock-bottom valuations and bets that the oil price won’t drop much further.Investors from beyond the Arabian Gulf accounted for 41% of total Saudi equities buying in the week ended August 28, one of the highest ratios on record, according to Saudi stock exchange data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.The flows signal that a rush of reforms making it easier for foreigners to buy Saudi stocks is working. For the time being, however, risks still have the upper hand with the Tadawul All Share Index down 11% year to date and domestic investors on the retreat, along with crude prices.Nishit Lakhotia, head of research at SICO Bank, said stock investors are currently pricing in a “worse-case scenario” for the Saudi market, which he expects to bottom out shortly, unless oil drops below $60 a barrel — which would amount to a roughly 10% drop from current levels.“We believe the momentum is still there in the economy, which does not warrant such depressed valuations,” he said. “While it’s hard to predict when exactly the market can turn, there will likely be a point — sooner than later — when smart investors will start buying.”The slump has made Saudi stocks look relatively attractive, with the benchmark index near the lowest price-to-earnings multiple in more than five years. Junaid Ansari, director of investment strategy and research at Kamco Investment Co, expects a sharp turnaround in sentiment from the fourth quarter, when investors start making allocations for 2026.“The Saudi market is an oversold market,” said Ansari. While foreigners have largely been net buyers, “the sellers are mainly institutions in Saudi Arabia which we believe are selling to focus on other investment opportunities in the Kingdom,” he said.Nevertheless, the weak oil market is weighing down Saudi assets. Brent crude is trading around $66 per barrel, well below the nation’s fiscal breakeven price of $94, according to Bloomberg Economics. If domestic investments by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund are included, the figure rises to $111.While foreigners accounted for about 35% of all Saudi stock purchases in August, continuing a strong trend, daily turnover on the market has dropped to the lowest level since 2023. This means that international investors are grabbing a bigger slice of a smaller pie.Still, the gloom over the kingdom’s stocks may be over-hyped, especially as a negative perception of earnings is in large part based on giants, such as Saudi Arabian Oil Company and Saudi Basic Industries Corp.Excluding Aramco and Sabic, Saudi stocks are showing roughly 7% profit growth, Kamco’s Ansari said. Even as the Tadawul index has declined, owners of Saudi National Bank and Saudi Telecom Co shares have seen 11% and 13% returns, respectively, so far this year.“Although earnings growth for 2025 and 2026 is among the lowest across emerging markets, valuations have become more attractive,” said Nenad Dinic, an emerging-markets equity strategist at Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd.

Saudi Arabia sharply revised up its 2024 foreign direct investment, with new data showing it attracted a near-record sum from overseas investors. The kingdom said FDI reached 119bn riyals ($31.7bn) last year, almost 37% more than it previously reported.That matched the 2022 level and was just shy of the record $32.5bn in 2021, according to official data. Saudi Arabia has yet to explain where the revision came from, but the new tally shows it surpassed its annual target for last year.It also suggests the kingdom is gaining ground in attracting foreign partners to support Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to diversify the economy. The need for inflows is growing as the government sustains high levels of spending while crude prices fall and oil export revenues weaken.Its goal is to draw in about $100bn annually, more than triple what it has ever done, by the end of the decade. “The fact that the inflow was again above target is positive,” said Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC. “However, given the lower oil price, FDI inflows need to be significantly higher to support the transformation programme.” Last year’s inflows were driven by investments in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and construction.Financial services and insurance also saw strong activity. The United Arab Emirates remained the leading source of foreign investments for a fourth year, while inflows from Germany and the US more than tripled from a year earlier. Hong Kong accounted for $2bn, a more than ten-fold increase from 2023.Flows from France and Spain slumped. Saudi Arabia sees foreign investment as key to training its young population, developing new industries and easing the government’s spending burden under the Vision 2030 economic transformation programme. FDI inflows amounted to $6.4bn in the first quarter of this year, according to preliminary data.