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LAUNCESTON, Australia, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia made two recent decisions that on the surface seem to indicate a steady crude oil market outlook but may point to a ticking up in concern over the state of demand. It's also likely that softer demand for refined products in Asia amid economic uncertainty led to Aramco's decision to keep the Arab Light OSP unchanged. The extension of the additional 1 million bpd cut is perhaps a tacit admission that crude oil demand isn't as strong as OPEC has been expecting. Asia's crude imports showed some resilience in October, rising to 27.36 million bpd from 26.60 million bpd in September, according to data compiled by LSEG. China, the world's biggest importer, saw arrivals of 11.90 million bpd in October, up from September's 11.18 million bpd, but both these months were down on August's 12.49 million bpd.

Persons: It's, Brent, Robert Birsel Organizations: Saudi Aramco, refiners, Aramco, Brent, West Texas Intermediate, OPEC, LSEG, world's, Saudi, Reuters, Thomson Locations: LAUNCESTON, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Oman, Dubai, Asia, Singapore, Israel, Gaza, Atlantic, refiners, China, Russia

☆ U.S. crude oil prices fall below $78 a barrel to their lowest since July
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An oil pumpjack pulls oil from the Permian Basin oil field in Odessa, Texas, on March 14, 2022. U.S. crude prices on Tuesday fell below $78 a barrel to hit the lowest point since July as weak global economic data overshadowed concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could erupt into a broader regional conflict. Beijing's crude oil imports rose by volume and value in October, but the country's overall exports fell more than expected, indicating slowing global demand. The data out of China offset the effect of Saudi Arabia's and Russia's oil output cuts, which lifted oil prices earlier in the week. Oil prices had spiked in the week following Hamas' devastating terrorist attacks on Israel on concerns that the war could escalate into a broader regional conflict that disrupts oil supply.

Persons: Brent, Neel Kashkari, Kashkari, — CNBC's Evelyn Cheng Organizations: West Texas, Minneapolis Federal, Bloomberg Television, CNBC PRO Locations: Odessa , Texas, Israel, China, Minneapolis, U.S, Saudi, Riyadh, Moscow

☆ Fenway chairman confirms talks with PGA Tour as doubts grow about LIV Golf deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Drew Richardson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Fenway Sports Group Chairman Tom Werner on Monday acknowledged that the company has held talks with the PGA Tour as the golf organization's framework agreement with Saudi-backed LIV Golf faces new doubts. Werner, who spoke alongside PGA Tour star Rory McIlroy, said that the players "will decide the direction the tour goes." McIlroy had been outspoken in his disdain for LIV Golf, saying in July that if LIV Golf was "the last place to play golf on earth, I would retire." LIV lured PGA Tour players, like Phil Mickelson, to with deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars. McIlroy sounded a friendlier note Monday, when asked about the potential for a renewed rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Persons: Tom Werner, LIV Golf, we've, Werner, CNBC's Scott Wapner, Rory McIlroy, LIV, Alan Shipnuck, McIlroy, Critics, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Tiger Woods, LIV Golf's, Phil Mickelson, McIlroy's Organizations: Fenway Sports, PGA Tour, PGA, Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Veteran, Endeavour Group Holdings, WWE, UFC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Saudi, Tiger, Tour, ESPN, TGL, Fenway, Boston, CNBC Locations: Saudi, U.S

☆ Most Gulf markets end higher after US job market softens
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A trader looks on near electronic boards showing stock market data at Bahrain Bourse after Joe Biden won the U.S. presidency, in Manama, Bahrain, November 8, 2020. Most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, peg their currencies to the U.S. dollar and follow the Fed's policy moves closely. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.8%, with oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) rising 0.5% and Lumi Rental Co (4262.SE) finishing 1.7% higher. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) closed 2% higher, led by a 2.1% rise in Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA). On Friday, the lender reported third-quarter net income of 8.35 billion Egyptian pounds ($270.66 million), up 89% year-on-year.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, Detroit's, Jerome Powell, Ateeq, David Goodman, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, Federal, United Auto Workers, UAW, Gulf Cooperation, U.S ., Saudi Aramco, Lumi, Reuters, Industries Qatar, Commercial International Bank, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, U.S, Gulf, UAE, Saudi, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ The Israel-Hamas war threatens to derail Middle Eastern investment in US media and entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-04 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Still, the US presence highlighted the deepening ties between Hollywood and the region , as Western media, entertainment, and sports entities have seen major investment in recent years from Saudi, Qatar, and the UAE. Even before October 7, US entities that were receiving investment from the Middle East were reluctant to speak publicly about those relationships. Insider spoke with investors, producers, and other media and entertainment stakeholders about what's next for Hollywood's relationships with Mideast backers. Qatar hasn't seen any recent major deals but earlier this year, Peter Chernin and Providence Equity's production roll-up The North Road received $150 million from the Qatar Investment Authority. "The political nature gets more complicated," an industry insider observer said, noting how countries like Qatar are grabbing headlines for their role in the situation.

Persons: haven't, Jamal Khashoggi, Israel, it's, Knaebel, They're, Greg Silverman's, Silverman, Harry Potter, Chris Nolan's, Abu Dhabi's, Ari Emanuel, Peter Chernin, Jeff Zucker, LIV Golf Organizations: Film, Washington Post, Hollywood, Global Media, Saudi, Stampede Ventures, Warner Bros, Endeavor, Qatar hasn't, Providence, North, Qatar Investment Authority, IMI, CNN, Investment Fund, PGA Locations: Saudi Arabia, American, Jeddah, Saudi, Qatar, UAE, Gaza, Israel, Germany, Silver

Global fundraising for alternative investments, which include private equity, dropped 21% to $972 billion in the year to Nov. 1 from the same period a year earlier, according to research firm Preqin. As their money becomes more vital, Gulf funds are encouraging private equity firms to invest locally in plans for a post-oil future. "Building a partnership based on reciprocity is nowadays necessary to succeed in the Gulf," said Francois Aissa-Touazi, co-global head of investor relations at private equity fund Ardian. Private equity funds are getting the message. In turn private equity funds can use these pools of capital to fund large private debt or equity transactions, according to Tikehau Capital's Deputy CEO, Frédéric Giovansili.

Persons: Amr Alfiky, Francois Aissa, Ardian, Touazi, Brookfield, Bruce Flatt, thronged, Flatt, Mohammed Al Jadaan, Anthony Diamandakis, Rishi Kapoor, Investcorp, Tikehau, Frédéric Organizations: United, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Rights, Global, Investment Initiative, Public Investment Fund, Brookfield, Tikehau, CVC, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Abu Dhabi, United Arab, Rights RIYADH, LONDON, Davos, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Dubai, Brookfield, Bahrain

☆ Trump waited until after he left office to disclose trademarks he owns in China and Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Donald Trump disclosed that he owns hundreds of foreign trademarks in his ethics filings this year. Trump owns 114 trademarks in China — more than any other country by far, including the US. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)The final form Trump submitted during his presidency, dated January 15, 2021, disclosed Trump's financial interests in numerous overseas companies. The only indication of trademark holdings noted is his ownership of a company called "CHINA TRADEMARK LLC." AdvertisementAdvertisementIn his following OGE Form 278e form, filed on April 2023, as a presidential candidate, Trump disclosed a long list of foreign trademarks.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, —, Donald, Forbes, Alex Brandon, Joe Biden, Richard Painter, George W, Bush, Painter, who's, Joe Raedle, Ivanka Trump Organizations: Service, Hartsfield, Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Trump, Drinks Israel, United Arab Emirates, LLCs, The New York Times, Trump Tower, Times, Associated Press, Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Locations: China, Russia, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Belarus, United States, CHINA, United Kingdom, Ukraine, El Salvador, Mexico, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Albania, sweeten, Saudi

☆ Lucid cuts prices of electric sedans for limited time amid EV price wars
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Lucid Air electric vehicle is displayed in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S., September 27, 2021. Lucid slashed the price of its Air Touring model to $87,500 from $95,000 and the more powerful Grand Touring by $10,000 to $115,600. Tesla has cut the prices of its Model S premium sedan, Lucid Air's closest competitor, to $74,990. Lucid had previously cut prices for its cars in August as the company burned through cash as it ramped up production in a tough economy. The price cut offer will be valid till Nov 30, the company said.

Persons: Hyunjoo Jin, Elon, Lucid, Tesla, Zaheer Kachwala, Tasim Zahid Organizations: REUTERS, Cox Automotive, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Thomson Locations: Scottsdale , Arizona, U.S, Newark , California, Bengaluru

GENEVA (AP) — The near certainty that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 men's World Cup unites two of the most influential men in world sports: the leader of soccer's governing body and the kingdom's crown prince. In the case of Saudi Arabia, U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi was slain inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The men’s World Cup should earn Switzerland-based FIFA more than $10 billion in almost entirely tax-free revenue. “Mohammed bin Salman wants Saudi Arabia to be a hub of anything and everything,” Middle East expert James Dorsey said. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic and FIFA canceled the planned June 2021 relaunch in China of its Club World Cup event.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sportswashing, Jamal Khashoggi, Prince Mohammed, Infantino, King Salman, Prince Mohammed's, “ Abraham, ”, Donald Trump, ” Infantino, Mohammed's, Cristiano Ronaldo, “ Mohammed bin Salman, James Dorsey, Greece —, —, Australia –, they’ve, James Johnson, “, Yasser Al Misehal –, – Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, Australia, Qatar, White House, “ Abraham Accords, United Arab, Soccer, Newcastle, Russia, Saudi, ” Football Australia, ” FIFA, FIFA Council, Fox News Locations: Saudi Arabia, Persian, Saudi, U.S, Istanbul, Riyadh, Switzerland, Gulf, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Europe, Swiss, China, Qatar, United States, Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Greece, Africa, South America, Asia, Oceania, Saudi Arabian, Australia

"AustralianSuper believes Origin has a highly strategic portfolio of assets to participate in, and benefit from, the energy transition," a spokesperson said. Origin shares plunged as much as 5.6% to A$8.565 in high-volume trading following the news, as AustralianSuper's 13.68% holding could scupper a deal that requires approval from 75% of the register if not all investors vote. Should the deal fail at the shareholder vote scheduled for Nov. 23, a revised agreement allows the consortium to make a subsequent off-market bid if it buys 5% or more of Origin shares. "If it gets voted down, Brookfield aren't obligated to come back with an off-market takeover offer, but they may be inclined to," he said. Should the deal close, Brookfield and its partners GIC and Temasek will own Origin's Energy Markets business, which includes power generation and retailing.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, AustralianSuper, Canada's Brookfield, Brookfield, Jamie Hannah, Simon Mawhinney, Allan Gray, Stewart Upson, Scott Murdoch, Lewis Jackson, Sameer Manekar, Jamie Freed Organizations: Brookfield, REUTERS, SYDNEY, bourse, Brookfield Asia, Energy Markets, Saudi Arabia's Aramco, Australia Pacific LNG, Thomson Locations: VanEck, Brookfield, Temasek, Saudi, Australia, Sydney, Bengaluru

☆ Aston Martin shares plunge on volume target cut, lingering debt
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Company shares had plunged by as much as 20% in earlier trade. Aston Martin reported an adjusted operating loss of £48.4 million ($58.8 million) for the three months to the end of September and a net revenue of £362.1 million, below a company-compiled consensus of £370 million. "The DB12 production ramp up was temporarily affected as supplier readiness and integration of the new EE platform that supports the fully redeveloped infotainment system was delayed," Aston Martin said in its earnings report on Wednesday. Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll said the launch of the DB12 has seen "extraordinary demand" and is bringing in new customers, with 55% of initial DB12 buyers new to the brand. "With the shares trading at a tenth of the level at which they listed in 2018, the optimistic comparisons Aston Martin made for itself with Italian rival Ferrari look as fanciful as they ever did."

Persons: Aston Martin, Lawrence, Aston, Russ Mould, AJ Bell, Aston Martin's, " Mould, Ferrari Organizations: Company, Aston, Aston Martin, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Locations: London

☆ Too daunting to take on Saudis in 2034 World Cup bid, says Football Australia CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Christian Radnedge | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Australia would have found it difficult to compete with Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 men's World Cup, Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said on Tuesday after his country opted not to enter the race to stage the tournament. Johnson said Australia, who recently co-hosted the Women's World Cup with New Zealand, would instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. The president of the Asian Football Confederation, the sport's continental governing body to which Australia belongs, said "the entire Asian football family" would stand united in support of the Saudi bid. The 2026 men's World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA awarded the 2030 World Cup earlier this month to Morocco, Portugal and Spain, also adding centenary games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

Persons: James Johnson, Johnson, we've, they've, Christian Radnedge, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Saudi, Football Australia, Australia, FIFA, Doha, Australian, New, Asian Football Confederation, Thomson Locations: Australia, Asia, Oceania, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, New Zealand, Brisbane, United States, Mexico, Canada, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay

☆ Saudi Arabia clear to host 2034 World Cup after Australia drops out
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Football Australia (FA) boss James Johnson had said the country was "exploring the possibility" of 2034, but on Tuesday the governing body said it would instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. The president of the Asian Football Confederation, the sport's continental governing body to which Australia belongs, said "the entire Asian football family" would stand united in support of the Saudi bid. Australia hosted a successful Women's World Cup this year but has never hosted a men's World Cup. "We believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world - the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 - and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup," FA said. FIFA awarded the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, Portugal and Spain, also adding World Cup centenary games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

Persons: James Johnson, Bernadett Szabo, Ian Ransom, Neil Fullick, John Stonestreet Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Australia Press, Football Australia, Rights, Australia, FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, Saudi, AFC, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Melbourne

☆ South Korea economic growth to exceed potential rate in 2024, Yoon says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

President of South Korea Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks at the opening session of Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 24, 2023. South Korea's potential growth rate - the maximum economic growth that can be achieved without triggering inflationary pressure - is estimated to be around 2%, policymakers have said. In a Reuters survey conducted early this month, economic growth was forecast to slow to 1.2% in 2023 from 2.6% in 2022, followed by a recovery to 2.1% in 2024. The government in August unveiled its 2024 budget plan that included the smallest increase in two decades amid weakening tax revenue due to slower economic growth. He also pledged South Korea would maintain mutually beneficial cooperation with China, South Korea's largest trading partner.

Persons: South Korea Yoon Suk, Yoon Suk Yeol, Yoon, 1,348.7800, Jihoon Lee, Ed Davies Organizations: South, Saudi, Future Investment Initiative, Saudi Press Agency, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Gross, Bank of, Thomson Locations: South Korea, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Rights SEOUL, United States, Bank of Korea, Washington, China, South

☆ World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be structurally really good, says Howe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Newcastle United's Eddie Howe would expect a World Cup in Saudi Arabia to be well organised having previously travelled there with his team, the manager said on Tuesday. With Australia deciding not to enter a bid to host the 2034 World Cup, FIFA are expected to announce Saudi Arabia as the only bid received before the Oct. 31 deadline. "Our trips out there to Riyadh and Jeddah were two different experiences really," Howe told a press conference before Newcastle's League Cup tie against Manchester United. If that's a sign of what a World Cup might look like, structurally it will be really good." Newcastle also hosted two Saudi Arabia international games at St. James' Park in September with Costa Rica and South Korea.

Persons: Newcastle United's Eddie Howe, Howe, James ' Park, Trevor Stynes, Ed Osmond Organizations: Newcastle, Australia, FIFA, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Newcastle's League, Manchester United, Saudi Arabia, St, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Newcastle, Riyadh, Jeddah, Costa Rica, South Korea

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia is all but certain to host the men's 2034 World Cup after the Australian soccer federation declined to enter the bidding contest. “We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and — having taken all factors into consideration — we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia said in a statement. Indonesia’s football association initially showed interest in a joint bid with Australia, potentially alongside Malaysia and Singapore, but that faded when Indonesia instead backed Saudi Arabia. Australia and New Zealand successfully co-hosted the Women's World Cup in July and August. Saudi Arabia also will host the men's Asian Cup in 2027 and has started a widespread construction program to build and renovate stadiums that likely also will be used for the World Cup.

Persons: “, LIV, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jamal Khashoggi, Gianni Infantino, Australia —, Minky Worden, ” Worden, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, ” Football Australia, Newcastle, Saudi Crown, South America — FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Qatar, soccer, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi, Rights Locations: Saudi Arabia, Australian, Saudi, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, South, Asia, Oceania, Australia, Qatar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New, Brisbane, Queensland

☆ Spain's state fund considers taking Telefonica stake after STC move
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo of Spanish Telecom company is displayed atop the company's building in Madrid, Spain, September 6, 2023. Acting Economy Minister Nadia Calvino has said Madrid will carry out a thorough evaluation before approving STC's stake, while acting labour minister Yolanda Diaz has called for the transaction to be blocked. Spain's SEPI said in a stock market filing on Tuesday that it was carrying out an "exploratory internal analysis over a potential acquisition" of a stake in Telefonica. STC declined to comment on any potential plans by SEPI. Caixabank, which owns 3.5% stake of Telefonica, said last week it would not raise its stake in response to STC's move, and would analyse with Telefonica any potential cooperation with the Saudi Arabian telecoms company.

Persons: Violeta Santos Moura, Spanish telco Caixabank, SEPI, Nadia Calvino, Yolanda Diaz, Spain's SEPI, Belen Gualda Gonzalez, Onur Genc, It's, Genc, Inti Landauro, Pietro Lombardi, Louise Heavens, Alexander Smith Organizations: Spanish Telecom, REUTERS, BBVA, Telefonica Bank, Telefonica MADRID, Telefonica, Saudi, STC, Saudi Arabia's, SEPI, Thomson Locations: Madrid, Spain, Spanish, Saudi Arabian

☆ Al-Dawsari, Kerr take Asian confederation's Player of the Year awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari has been named the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year with Chelsea and Australia forward Sam Kerr taking the women's title at the regional body's awards ceremony in Doha on Tuesday. Al-Dawsari, who scored Saudi Arabia's winner in their shock 2-1 victory over Argentina at the World Cup last year, took the men's award after also leading Al-Hilal to the final of the Asian Champions League and the Club World Cup. The awards were being held for the first time in four years as a result of the disruption caused to the game across the continent by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerr, who on Monday had finished as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or vote in Paris, won her award for the second time having previously been named the confederation's best female player in 2017. Shui Qingxia claimed the honours in the women's coaching category after she led China to the Women's Asian Cup last February in India, the country's first continental title since 2006.

Persons: Salem, Dawsari, Sam Kerr, Qatar's Almoez Ali, Mathew Leckie of, Kerr, Aya Miyama, Homare Sawa, China's Zhang Linyang, Saki Kumagai, Japan's Hajime Moriyasu, Shui Qingxia, Michael Church, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Football, Chelsea, Saudi Arabia's, Asian Champions League, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Australia, Doha, Argentina, Al, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, Paris, China's, Japan, Germany, Spain, China, India

One of them said that the cut off point could be closer to 6 billion euros ($6.33 billion). Some analysts had already questioned Renault's hoped-for valuation of up to 10 billion euros, with some suggesting the carmaker should pursue alternative options to raise cash. De Meo said in September that the listing could value Ampere at between 8 and 10 billion euros, above the French carmaker's own current market capitalisation of 9.55 billion euros. Other EV makers have seen their market value fall sharply in recent months. The Ampere IPO would include a mix of Renault's shares and new shares and could happen as early as April 2024, one of the people said, depending on market conditions.

Persons: Gonzalo Fuentes, Ampere, France's, Tesla, Renault's, Luca de Meo, China's Geely, IPOs, De Meo, Bernstein, de Meo, Elon Musk's Tesla, Mathieu Rosemain, Silvia Aloisi, Pablo Mayo Cerqueiro, Gilles Guillaume, Anousha Sakoui, Alexander Smith Organizations: Renault, Viva Technology, Porte de, REUTERS, Reuters, DKV Mobility, HK, Saudi Arabia's Aramco, Nissan, IPOs Renault, EV, Commission, UBS, Barclays, Ampere, Mitsubishi, Thomson Locations: Porte, Paris, France, LONDON, China, Saudi, Europe, Ampere, Elon

☆ STC reportedly drops plan to up stake in Spain's Telefonica to 9.9%
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The logo of Spanish Telecom company is displayed atop the company's building in Madrid, Spain, September 6, 2023. Telefonica and STC declined to comment on the report. In September, Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator amassed a 9.9% stake worth 2.1 billion euros ($2.23 billion) in a move to become Telefonica's top shareholder, though it added it did not intend to acquire control or a majority stake. STC's holding consists of 4.9% of Telefonica's shares and financial instruments that give it another 5% in so-called economic exposure to the company. As Telefonica is considered a defence service provider, the Spanish defence ministry has a say in acquisitions and holdings between 5% and 10% unless the buyer commits not to request a seat on the board.

Persons: Violeta Santos Moura, David Latona, Belen Carreno, Jesus Aguado, Hadeel Al, Andrei Khalip Organizations: Spanish Telecom, REUTERS, Rights, STC, Telefonica, El Economista, Saudi, Inti Landauro, Thomson Locations: Madrid, Spain, Rights MADRID, Saudi, Spanish, Hadeel Al Sayegh, Riyadh

☆ Caixabank to look at how Telefonica and STC can cooperate
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMADRID, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Spain's Caixabank (CABK.MC), a major shareholder in Telefonica (TEF.MC), will analyse with the telecoms group any potential cooperation with STC after the Saudi telecoms firm's recent investment in Telefonica, the bank's CEO said on Friday. Caixabank has a 3.5% stake in Telefonica and a seat on its board. "Very particularly, we have to see what possibilities (Telefonica) has to cooperate with this great company, due to its size and relevance, which is STC," Gortazar said, adding Caixabank would seek to express its views on the matter at board-level discussions. As Telefonica is considered a defence service provider, Spain's Defence Ministry has a say in acquisitions and holdings between 5% and 10%, unless the buyer commits not to request a seat on the board. STC, which has yet to request authorisation from the Spanish government to exercise voting rights corresponding to the financial instruments, has said it does not intend to acquire control or a majority stake in Telefonica.

Persons: Violeta Santos Moura, Gonzalo Gortazar, Caixabank, Gortazar, Jesús, Andrei Khalip, Mark Potter Organizations: Spanish Telecom, REUTERS, Rights, Telefonica, Saudi, STC Group, Spain's Defence Ministry, STC, Thomson Locations: Madrid, Spain, Rights MADRID, Saudi

☆ Saudi Arabia is serious about its Jan. 1 deadline for companies to move regional headquarters to Riyadh — or lose out on government contracts
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The Saudi National Bank headquarters and other buildings in Riyadh. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesRIYADH — Saudi Arabia is holding on to its ultimatum that foreign companies will need to base their regional headquarters in the kingdom or be barred from lucrative government contracts. In a bold surprise move back in February 2021, the Saudi government announced that it would, by 2024, cease doing business with any international companies whose regional headquarters were not based within the country. The news stunned investors and expat workers, many of whom saw the move as a shot at Dubai, the United Arab Emirates commercial capital that is home to the highest concentration of Middle East regional headquarters. Faisal Al Ibrahim, Saudi minister of economy and planning, told CNBC that the plan is still going ahead and discussed how the kingdom aims to support foreign companies with the change.

Persons: Faisal Al Ibrahim, CNBC's Dan Murphy, Al Ibrahim, that's, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia — Organizations: Saudi National Bank, Riyadh . Bloomberg, Bloomberg, Getty, United Arab Emirates, East, CNBC, Future Investment Initiative, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Locations: Riyadh ., RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Dubai, Riyadh

☆ Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman says remote workers 'don't work as hard' and profit from working from home
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Stephen Schwarzman said remote workers "don't work as hard regardless of what they tell you." Schwarzman added that remote workers profit because they save on commuting and meals. AdvertisementAdvertisementBillionaire Stephen Schwarzman said on Tuesday that people benefited from remote work because they can save on commuting and meals while not having to work as hard. During Tuesday's panel discussion, Schwarzman said the prevalence of remote working could result in more vacant office buildings. AdvertisementAdvertisementSchwarzman, whose remarks were first reported by Bloomberg on Tuesday, isn't the only business executive who's criticized remote work.

Persons: Stephen Schwarzman, Schwarzman, —, Blackstone, who's, Jamie Dimon, Elon Musk, Musk Organizations: Blackstone, Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative, Service, Bloomberg, JPMorgan, KPMG

☆ Fmr WeWork CEO Adam Neumann on latest venture 'Flow': The need for community has never been greater
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFmr WeWork CEO Adam Neumann on latest venture 'Flow': The need for community has never been greaterAdam Neumann, WeWork co-founder and former CEO and Flow founder, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, his decision to attend Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative conference in light of the conflict, the state of his latest venture 'Flow', and more.

Persons: Adam Neumann, WeWork Organizations: Saudi, Future Investment Initiative Locations: Israel

☆ We are making a lot of effort with our partners to deescalate unrest in region: Saudi minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWe are making a lot of effort with our partners to deescalate unrest in region: Saudi ministerMohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Saudi Arabia's minister of finance, says his country is making "a lot of effort" with partners to deescalate unrest in the region.

Persons: Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Organizations: Saudi Locations: Saudi

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