Currency traders watch monitors near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), top left, and the foreign exchange rate between US dollar and South Korean won at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea on Aug 7. (AP)

MANILA, Philippines, Aug 7, (AP): Asian shares mostly advanced and financial markets appeared to show scant if any reaction to higher tariffs on exports to the United States that took effect early Thursday. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 added 0.6% to 41,059.15. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 0.6% to 25,058.22 and the Shanghai Composite added 0.2% to 3,639.67. China reported that its exports picked up in July, helped by a flurry of shipments by businesses taking advantage of a pause in USPresident Donald Trump’s tariff war with Beijing.

South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.9% to 3,227.68, while the S&P/ASX 200 in Australia shed 0.1% to 8,831.40. India’s Sensex gave up 0.5% after Trump ordered tariffs on imports from the world’s most populous nation to rise to 50%, citing its crude oil imports from Russia. Trump also declared 100% tariffs on computer chips with an exemption for US investments.

Apple’s shares rose 5.1% on Wednesday ahead of a White House event where it announced an increase to its US investments of an additional $100 billion over the next four years. Mizuho Bank, in a commentary, said the Trump’s exemption from 100% tariffs on semiconductors for those with investments in U.S. production means some US trading partners may be able to use their investments in the U.S. as a bargaining chip.

Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 2.4% as shares in market heavyweight Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. surged 4.9%. TSMC is the world’s largest contract maker of computer chips and it has been ramping up its investments in US factory capacity, helping to alleviate the impact from higher tariffs. South Korean chipmakers also saw strong gains, with Samsung Electronics jumping 2.1% after the government said its products would also be subject to the exemption.

On Wednesday, a rally for Apple led Wall Street higher, with U.S. stocks reclaiming more of their sharp losses from last week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% to 6,345.06. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2% to 44,193.12, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2% to 21,169.42. Apple alone accounted for more than a third of the S&P 500’s gain.

Trading elsewhere on Wall Street was mixed following a jumble of profit reports. McDonald’s and Shopify rose following their latest updates, while Super Micro Computer tumbled after its earnings and revenue came in below analysts’ expectations. The Walt Disney Co. fell after its earnings beat forecasts but its revenue fell short  

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 06: Kuwait Credit Information Network Company (CINET) participated in the 19th meeting of the Arab Committee on Credit Information, organized by the Arab Monetary Fund. The event brought together leaders in the credit information industry across the region to discuss current challenges and best practices in credit reporting and scoring services. CINET’s participation highlighted how it utilizes data science and artificial intelligence in credit evaluation and risk management, offering valuable insights into the role of data analytics in enhancing institutional decision-making.

Representing CINET at the event were Mrs. Mai Bader Al-Owaish, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Fouzan Y.  Al-Sumait, Senior Manager of Data and Artificial Intelligence. They delivered a specialized presentation outlining CINET’s experience in data science and analytics, showcasing innovative products that embed advanced analytics into credit information services and demonstrating their impact on financial decision-making and credit stability.

CINET is the first credit company in the region to apply this integrated model, underscoring its leadership in leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of the financial market. The company continues its efforts to deliver advanced solutions, including the recent launch of its new mobile application, which enables individuals to access their full credit facilities—including loans and credit cards, and more—in a transparent, fast, and user-friendly manner, empowering individuals and businesses with smarter financial decision-making tools and more effective risk management.

Commenting on the participation, Mrs. Mai B. Al-Owaish said:“Our participation in this meeting reaffirms CINET’s commitment to supporting the development of cutting-edge data solutions that address the evolving needs of financial institutions and provide both individuals and organizations with practical tools for accurate and smarter financial decision-making. This platform enables us to share experiences with our peers in the Arab region, highlight our success stories, and explore advanced tools that pave the way for a more data-driven and inclusive credit ecosystem”.

Mr. Fouzan Y. Al-Sumait added:“At CINET, we are keen to design data analytics tools that enable financial institutions to understand customer behavior and assess risks accurately, leveraging data science capabilities for strategic growth. We provide precise insights into creditworthiness, credit patterns, and risk exposure. From our experience with financial institutions in Kuwait that use CINET’s credit analytics products, it has become clear that effective data strategies is a critical factor in mitigating risks, enhancing financial stability, and achieving sustainable growth”.

The Arab Committee on Credit Information, whose secretariat is overseen by the Arab Monetary Fund, operates under the Arab Central Banks and Monetary Authorities’ Governors. It includes directors and officials from credit information units within Arab central banks and monetary authorities, along with executives from licensed national credit information companies.

CINET’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence and its vision to reshape the future of credit services in Kuwait and the region through actionable analytics, precision, and cutting-edge innovation.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 06: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” (KSE: Markaz, Reuters: MARKZ.KW, ‎Bloomberg: MARKAZ: KK) reported its financial results for H1-2025with a Total Revenue of KD ‎‎14.45million with an increase of 65%, as compared to KD 8.76million in H1-2024. The net profit ‎attributable to shareholders of Markaz was KD 6.41million, compared toKD1.79million in the same ‎period last year, and earnings per share was 13Fils for H1-2025.‎

Mr. Diraar Yusuf Alghanim, Markaz’s Chairman, stated: “Kuwait demonstrated robust ‎performance during the second quarter of 2025, with non-oil GDP growth estimated at around ‎‎2.5%, supported by steady expansion in real estate, manufacturing, and hospitality, while inflation ‎remained contained near 2.3% alongside a private sector PMI of 53.9 in May. Across the GCC, ‎economic prospects were reinforced by ongoing diversification initiatives and rising credit activity ‎in the UAE, which helped sustain regional growth. Regional oil revenues also benefited from ‎periodic price increases amid geopolitical tensions, supporting fiscal balances. On the global front, ‎the IMF revised growth expectations downward due to weaker demand and continued geopolitical ‎friction, although oil market movements offered some support to regional fiscal positions. In ‎recognition of its institutional strength and innovative investment capabilities during this period, ‎Markaz was honoured with five prestigious awards from EMEA Finance, Euromoney, and MEED.We ‎remain positive on the region’s outlook, supported by improving financial conditions, ongoing ‎structural reforms, and steady demand trends. Our priority continues to be the creation of long-‎term value for our stakeholders through disciplined execution, strategic growth, and prudent risk ‎management.‎

Mr. Ali H. Khalil, Markaz’s CEO, stated: Markaz’s Asset Management fees for H1-2025 were KD ‎‎3.94million as compared to KD 3.46million for the same period last year, reflecting an increase of ‎‎14%. Investment Banking and Advisory fees for H1-2025 were KD 0.52million as compared to KD ‎‎0.63million for H1-2024. This performance reflects the strength of our diversified portfolios and ‎disciplined focus on consistent execution across business verticals.‎

h1In asset management, our equity mutual funds continued to deliver stable returns amid heightened ‎market volatility. MIDAF, Mumtaz, the Markaz Islamic Fund, and Forsa recorded returns of 8.65%, ‎‎10.45%, 18.05%, and 12.31% respectively, supported by prudent investment strategies and active ‎portfolio management. ‎

Within investment banking, Markaz continues to reinforce its capital markets expertise and deepen ‎long-term client relationships. The team maintains a robust transaction pipeline, with multiple ‎active M&A mandates currently underway.‎

Our regional and international real estate investments have remained resilient, supported by stable ‎occupancy levels, reliable rental income, and steady collection rates. During the year, Markaz ‎exited industrial real estate projects exceeding USD 100 million in the US and Europe, highlighting ‎its disciplined investment approach, partnerships, and leadership in global real estate and credit ‎strategies. Markaz also released the first annual report for its Shariah-compliant Markaz Real ‎Estate Fund (MREF), strengthening transparency and highlighting its market leadership.‎

Favorable demographic dynamics, sustained infrastructure spending, and broader economic ‎diversification across the GCC continue to create attractive opportunities. Markaz is focused on ‎providing differentiated investment offerings and maintaining strategic agility to deliver long-term ‎value for stakeholders.‎

Mr. Abdullatif W. Al-Nusif, Managing Director, Wealth Management and Business ‎Development at Markaz, stated: “Markaz continued to strengthen its wealth management services ‎during the second quarter of 2025. Assets Under Management (AUM) reached approximately KD ‎‎1.56billion as of 30June 2025, reflecting an [increase] of 13.14% compared to KD 1.38billion in Q2 ‎‎2024. This growth is underpinned by our disciplined execution and client-focused strategy.In May ‎‎2025, Markaz successfully engaged professional and qualified investors through an exclusive ‎private markets event with BlackRock, strengthening client access to global strategies and ‎highlighting private credit as a strategic income-focused asset class.‎

Expanding capabilities across private markets, alternative assets, and tailored advisory services ‎remains central to addressing clients’ evolving requirements. Enhanced digital initiatives continue ‎to strengthen the client experience and drive greater efficiency. Supported by strong relationships ‎with institutional and high net worth clients, and solutions aligned with market dynamics, Markaz is ‎positioned to deliver consistent investment outcomes and uphold its leadership in wealth creation.‎