Azimut Middle East

Great to see Marwan Haddad, CFA contribution in an online article in AGBI - Arabian Gulf Business Insight , Marwan is Lead MENA equities at Azimut Group Marwan’s commentary links into a wider narrative in Matt Smith article covering an overview of #Gulf markets. Despite some nervousness around volatile #oil prices, Gulf markets are in a healthy state. Marwan’s Key Insights: “Market performance has lagged #earnings growth,” suggesting that price-to-earnings multiples have contracted, presenting potential buying opportunities. Strong seasonality in Q4, especially in #Dubai and #SaudiArabia, predicting these markets could outperform in the coming months. Sectoral Focus: Marwan is optimistic about sectors like #infrastructure, #healthcare, #tourism, and #logistics in Saudi Arabia, while advising caution on #petrochemicals due to uncertainty in #Chinese demand. Additional key points highlighted in the article are: Market Overview: While Dubai has been a strong performer, other Gulf markets have shown lackluster activity in 2024. Heavyweight sectors like #banking and petrochemicals have experienced robust profit growth despite broader market underperformance. Investment Opportunities: Foreign investors remain underweight in Gulf markets, despite the region’s attractive debt-to-#GDP ratios and stable currency pegs. To view the article in full just click on the link below https://lnkd.in/e7wTPeSu Comment below if you agree with the outlook for the remainder of 2024. #InvestmentOpportunities #GulfMarkets #MarketInsights #azimut #insightdiscovery

In a recent discussion on CNBC #CapitalConnection show, Nicolo' Bocchin, Global Head of Fixed Income at Azimut Group, highlighted expectations for the #Fed to signal rate cuts in September, with a focus on movement in the short end of the yield curve. He anticipates a steeper curve over the next year, with the 10-year yield possibly settling between 3.5% and 4%. While #geopolitical risks aren't heavily priced, #US elections could significantly influence #inflation dynamics depending on the outcome. Overall, Nicolo sees the US job market stabilizing, with minimal concern about current labour data. Nicolo suggested subordinated bonds and convertibles as core assets in this environment. To listen to his interview, please click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/eZw7uCqK #FinancialMarkets #azimutgroup #InvestmentStrategy #GlobalEconomy #Bloomberg #MarketAnalysis #CentralBanks #FixedIncome #GlobalMarkets #Interestrates #Inflation #UKEconomy Andrew Ang Vijay Sekhar Stephane M. Maroun JALKH

Nicolo' Bocchin, Global Head of Fixed Income at Azimut Group, was a guest on Friday’s edition of Horizons Middle East with Lizzy Burden on Bloomberg News. Nicolo provided an insightful update on the evolving landscape of global markets and central bank policies. Key takeaways from his segment (link below) on Bloomberg are: - Interest Rates & Inflation: Nicolo emphasised the unprecedented gap between the reference rate and inflation, suggesting that central banks may now aim to stabilise inflation at 2%+ rather than relying on heavy monetary injections. - US Treasuries: Despite recent momentum in US Treasuries, Nicolo predicts a shift, particularly in the short end of the curve, as fiscal pressures and upcoming elections influence the long end. - UK Economy: Nicolo highlighted the UK as a promising area for investment, with growth and inflation expectations aligning favourably for fixed-income opportunities. - Japan: Nicolo anticipates a cooling in Japan’s central bank actions, despite market volatility, as inflation trends lower and growth remains subdued. Do you agree with Nicolo’s outlook? Post your thoughts in the comments below. https://lnkd.in/e4pFJ8KZ #FinancialMarkets #azimutgroup #InvestmentStrategy #GlobalEconomy #Bloomberg #MarketAnalysis #CentralBanks #FixedIncome #GlobalMarkets #Interestrates #Inflation #UKEconomy #JapanEconomy Andrew Ang Vijay Sekhar Stephane M. Maroun JALKH

The fixed-income market is currently navigating through a turbulent phase. With fresh record highs being achieved on Wall Street, Nicolo' Bocchin, Azimut Group's Global Head of Fixed Income and a respected figure in the field, shared his insights on the subject on CNBC this morning. Nicolo has identified three crucial areas that are driving the current volatility, which he defines as: ●  Disbelief in Rate Cuts: There's scepticism about meaningful rate cuts, a continuation in Europe and a true beginning in US. ●  Fear of Reflation: Concerns about inflation re-emerging, driving equities to new highs. ●  Fear of Deficits: This fear is causing significant volatility in the fixed-income market and still upward pressure on rates. Moving on to the expectation of a potential rate cut and the likelihood of this taking place in September, Nicolo made the following points: ●  Current Rate Environment: The Federal Reserve is comfortable with rates at 5.5% and is waiting for more evidence of inflation decreasing towards the 2% target. ●  Timing for Rate Cuts: While the market expects a rate cut in September, December might be another viable time, but the Fed is not in a rush to cut rates soon. There is the small matter of a U.S. election on the horizon. The build-up to the election is creating uncertainty that naturally makes markets anxious. The expectation is that neither candidate will prioritise deficit reduction, that’s why it doesn’t matter much who will win. The most important factor is simply getting past the event, removing an uncertainty factor. Aside from immediate, uncontrollable reactions, the very last part of the year could provide some relief, allowing for a clearer economic outlook and more normalised market conditions. #FixedIncome #MarketInsights #azimut #FinancialMarkets #EconomicOutlook #InvestmentStrategies Stephane M. Vijay Sekhar Andrew Ang Maroun JALKH

What’s the next big emerging markets opportunity for investors? Azimut Group’s EM specialists believe the MENA region is set to shine in the coming years. In our latest report forecasting the next five years of development in the MENA region, Marwan Haddad, CFA, MENA Equities Lead and Ramon Spano, Senior Portfolio Manager, outline what they see as the main drivers of continued growth and development in the region. The highlights of their report are: - Under-Ownership: MENA markets are under-owned despite exceeding 7% in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. - Economic Reforms: Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE's sector development aim to diversify economies and boost growth. - High Returns, Low Risk: MENA markets have shown strong performance with annualised returns of 4.5% (10 years) and 7.9% (5 years) and lower volatility than other emerging markets. - Market Growth: Expect increased size and liquidity, with MENA's MSCI Index weighting rising to 10%, driven by IPOs and new listings. - Geopolitical Shifts: Russia's exclusion and China's economic challenges benefit MENA markets. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the paper, do not hesitate to reach out to discuss. Azimut Middle East leverages on its #UAE investment hub, managing circa USD10 bn, to offer diverse investment options in public and private markets to institutional investors globally. https://lnkd.in/dM2X3U7X Maroun JALKH Stephane M. Vijay Sekhar Andrew Ang #MENA #Investment #EconomicGrowth #EmergingMarkets #SaudiVision2030 #UAE #MENAequities 

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Marwan Haddad, CFA, Lead Portfolio Manager MENA Equities, on CNBC this Friday. During his interview with Dan Murphy on CNBC, Marwan provided a detailed analysis of the significant #ratecut announced by the #ECB on 6th June, and its potential implications for the #MENA region's #financialmarket. Marwan’s thoughts centre around: ● Markets have been anticipating interest rate cuts ● MENA banks reacting positively to the news ● GCC countries are pegged to the dollar ● MENA banks likely to act more on any announcements of interest rate cuts in the #US On this last point, Marwan indicates that #localmarkets are factoring in a future rate cut, which might not be as sharp as anticipated at the start of the year. Marwan was also asked about the announcement of aramco’s raise, which has significant #interest from foreign investors so far. Marwan believes that local #investors will be more interested in #Aramco due to its solid financials and attractive yields. When asked about his outlook on future #oil prices, Marwan expressed his belief that for stable investment opportunities to continue, oil prices should ideally remain within the $70- $90 range. To watch the full interview, click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/erCCE482 For more information on Azimut Middle East MENA Equities strategies please liase with Vijay Sekhar Stephane M. Maroun JALKH

Azimut Group is pleased to announce that Andrew Ang has joined the Middle East & Asia team as Head of Institutional and Wholesale Asia, based at Azimut Investment Management Singapore Ltd. (AZIMSG). He will report to Maroun JALKH, CEO of Azimut (ME) Limited, Head of Institutional and Wholesale Middle East & Asia. Andrew will also closely liaise with Andrea Ciaccio, CEO and CIO of AZIMSG, and help develop the group's Asia strategies along with current global public and private markets funds. For more details please read the Press Release. https://lnkd.in/dEk_9_s2

Big big congratulations to our portfolio managers, winners of 2 prestigious awards at the Bonds, Loans and Sukuk Awards hosted by GFC Media Group presents Bonds & Loans. Charles Féghali and Faisal Ali, CFA, won the #BestGlobalSukukFund award for their 3 years performance while Marwan Haddad, CFA and Ahmed H. Kamal, CFA swiped the #BestMENAEquitiesFund award, again for 3 years performance. We thank all our partners and investors for their trust and support throughout the years. Our team will continue on our commitment to provide you with the best possible service and performance. Don't hesitate to contact our team Vijay Sekhar Stephane M. Maroun JALKH #Bonds #Equities #MENA #MENAequities #Sukuk #investment #bestfund #performance #awards

When and how does a new asset class emerge? Read Faisal Ali, Senior Portfolio Manager for global #sukuk strategies at Azimut Middle East in the #UAE, argue that global #eurobond sukuks should now be considered as an asset class in their own right - and separate from other types of #bonds. In the latest edition of Perspective from Islamic Finance Review, Faisal explains how the asset class: has critical mass in terms of absolute size; includes a diverse range of #Islamic countries and issuers therein; and incorporates a broad ratings spectrum. https://lnkd.in/dNGjdc2H