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Stocks slipped while oil prices climbed as U.S.–Iran tensions escalated, with Brent crude rising 5.6% to $95.48 a barrel and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq pulling back from recent highs; despite geopolitical pressure, market moves remained relatively muted, supported by strong economic data as investors turn to a busy earnings week with expectations for continued profit growth.
21/04/2026
Saudi Aramco’s Q1 2026 net profit is forecast to reach SAR 108.8 billion, up 13.8% YoY and 56.7% QoQ, driven by higher oil prices and stronger refining margins, according to AlJazira Capital.
AI-driven fraud is accelerating faster than organizations can respond, with a new report by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and SAS revealing that just 7% feel well-prepared to detect or prevent it, as deepfakes, digital forgery, and consumer scams surge worldwide; while AI adoption is rising, gaps in governance, explainability, and overall readiness continue to leave institutions exposed as threats scale faster than defenses.
Private credit is rapidly moving into consumer lending as banks pull back, with fintechs like Bilt turning to firms such as Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Blue Owl Capital to fund billions in loans through forward-flow deals; while this model fuels growth and flexibility, rising economic pressures and investor caution are beginning to test the durability of this credit boom.
Daman Investments and AllianzGI have signed an MoU to introduce risk-based, target-driven investment options to the UAE’s end-of-service savings program, expanding beyond capital-protected solutions. The move combines local market expertise with global investment capabilities to offer employees greater flexibility and support the evolution of workplace savings in the UAE.
20/04/2026
