Bank Muscat’s Robust Performance Reflects Resilience Amid Economic Dynamics
Bank Muscat’s latest financial disclosure reveals a commendable performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The bank reported a robust net profit of RO212.45mn, showcasing a notable 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. Strategic financial management is evident in the 8.7% growth in net interest income from conventional banking and Islamic financing, reaching RO374.82mn. Despite economic challenges, Bank Muscat effectively managed credit and other losses, with net impairments at RO64.66mn for 2023. The bank’s resilience is further emphasized by the growth in net loans and advances, reaching RO9.877bn, and a substantial 9.1% increase in customer deposits, totaling RO9.438bn.
Sohar Port and Freezone, A Pillar of Economic Growth Surpassing $27 Billion in Investments
Sohar Port and Freezone exceptional growth, surpassing $27 billion in investments over two decades, cements its position as a vital force in Oman’s economic development. With an annual contribution of 2.1% to Oman’s GDP, the industrial complex has become a linchpin in the nation’s trade dynamics, representing 45% of the total trade exchange. The port’s recent achievements, including a 13% increase in liquid bulk volume and a rise in ship calls, underscore its operational prowess and efficiency. The formation of the SOHAR Net-Zero Alliance further positions Sohar Port and Freezone as pioneers in driving sustainability and carbon neutrality in Oman. As new investments flow in and agreements are signed, the port continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Oman’s economic future.
Dyson to Develop New Facilities in Singapore, UK and Philippines
The Singapore headquartered consumer electronics major Dyson on Wednesday announced that it will be building new manufacturing facilities and technological hubs at Tuas in region Singapore, the Philippines, and the UK as part of its ongoing five-year $3.4 billion global investment plan for the development of its software and AI capabilities.
Exclusive: Airbus roiled by poor start to 2023 as industrial pressure grows
The boss of European planemaker Airbus (AIR.PA) has read the riot act to executives about disappointing deliveries in January and warned them that in 2023 Airbus cannot deliver fewer jets than its now-abandoned target for 2022, industry sources said
Shell LNG trading provides quarterly boost despite output drop
Earnings from Shell’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading operations are likely to have been significantly higher in the fourth quarter of last year despite a sharp output drop owing to plant outages, it said on Friday.
Analysis: Macau casinos deal themselves a tough hand with big non-gaming investment pledges
As casinos in Macau begin new licenses to operate in the world’s biggest gambling hub on Jan. 1, the stakes are high on whether they will be able to successfully deliver on a government mandate to diversify away from their cash-cow: gambling.
Analysis: Investors look to emerging markets as planets align for end of dollar bull market
As the U.S. dollar tumbles from multi-decade highs, some investors are betting emerging market currencies will be big winners from a sustained reversal in the greenback.
A Mobile-First, Workforce Management Solution from eCom Learning Solutions
Organisations wanting to maintain their competitive edge by investing in their people can now use an over-arching learning platform to gain valuable insights into their workers’ learning, skills, competencies, engagement and performance.
Exclusive: GE lays off workers at onshore wind unit as part of turnaround strategy
General Electric Co is laying off workers at its onshore wind unit as part of a plan to restructure and resize the business, which is grappling with weak demand, rising costs and supply-chain delays, four sources familiar with the move said.
Company climate disclosures jump in 2021 as board pressure builds
The number of companies sharing climate data with CDP, the world’s leading disclosure platform, jumped by nearly 40% over the last year as investors and policymakers pressured boards, data seen by Reuters showed.
