KUWAIT CITY, Oct 14: In recognition of its leading role in enhancing liquidity and transparency, bolstering investor confidence and adopting the highest standards of governance and sustainability in the Kuwaiti capital market, Boursa Kuwait was crowned as the Middle East’s best stock exchange in 2025 at the inaugural Capital Markets Awards, organized by Euromoney in collaboration with the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM). The Capital Markets Awards extends the Awards for Excellence prestigious recognition to a new range of market participants, including securities exchanges and venues, brokerage houses and broker-dealers (both bank, independent and agency), and posttrade service providers.

Designed to recognize the best in breed across the key fields of market infrastructure and intermediary provision, its evaluation process is based on in-depth research that includes reviewing data submitted by participating institutions, conducting specialized interviews and performing secondary research, culminating in final decisions made by an internal Euromoney committee.

Being named the Middle East’s best exchange is a proud milestone for Boursa Kuwait and a global testament to the success of its strategy to develop the Kuwaiti capital market and reinforce its position as a leading regional hub capable of attracting investments from around the world. It also reflects the exchange’s firm commitment to enhancing market liquidity and transparency, strengthening investor confidence and trust and furthering the role of the capital market in supporting the long-term growth and diversification of the national economy

Exceptional performance despite challenges in 2024
Boursa Kuwait was awarded the title of “Best Stock Exchange in the Middle East” in recognition of its outstanding achievements during 2024, the period on which the evaluation was based. A successfully privatized and self-listed exchange, the company delivered a strong financial performance that reflected its operational efficiency and institutional resilience, despite regional geopolitical tensions and rising global economic uncertainty. The company continued to deliver outstanding performances across various key indicators, including exceptional net profits, growth in operating revenues, and an increase in operating profit, reinforcing its position as a pioneering institution with a clear vision and robust governance framework, one that places sustainable growth at the core of its strategy to build a more prosperous future for the market and all its participants. In addition, the Kuwaiti capital market distinguished itself as one of the top performers in the region, supported by robust trading activity and increasing market capitalization, with key indices posting impressive returns and securing Kuwait a leading position among Gulf Cooperation Council markets. Its robust operating model enabled it to strike a strategic balance between market liquidity depth and the diversification of investment opportunities, increasing the confidence of both institutional and retail investors in the strength of the Kuwaiti capital market.

Continuous development of market infrastructure Boursa
Kuwait continues to take a proactive approach to enhancing the Kuwaiti capital market. In collaboration with the Capital Markets Authority and other members of the capital market apparatus, the exchange launched the second part of Phase Three of its market development program (MD 3.2) in July. MD 3.2 was focused on enhancing operational and regulatory infrastructure and included the implementation of the Central Counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement framework, the completion of cash settlements through local banks and the Central Bank of Kuwait’s “KASSIP” system, and the upgrade of brokerage firms’ operating model to that of “Qualified Broker”. In addition, the capital market apparatus is preparing to enable the listing and trading of fixed-income instruments, such as sukuk and bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) later this year, following the completion of all necessary technical preparations and infrastructure readiness. Boursa Kuwait also announced a series of market mechanism enhancements, including the extension of trading hours, the adjustment of the closing auction mechanism, and the reduction of the random closing period. These changes are designed to align the Kuwaiti capital market with international standards as well as boost market efficiency and liquidity

Leadership in governance and sustainability Boursa
Kuwait continues to embed the principles of good governance, sustainability and financial literacy at the core of its operations, fostering transparency and ensuring that investors have access to essential information. In 2021, the exchange issued its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting Guide. Additionally, its in-house sustainability report was awarded the Best Sustainability and ESG Report award by the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) in 2023, recognizing the company’s leadership in governance and sustainability disclosures. The exchange continues to support community and environmental initiatives, promote financial awareness and enhance education, underpinned by its institutional sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategies, which are aligned with many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implemented through strategic partnerships with both local and international organizations to sponsor impactful programs and initiatives. Through these efforts, Boursa Kuwait has strengthened its position as a responsible corporate citizen, a model issuer in the Kuwaiti capital market and a vital contributor to the national vision that aims to transform Kuwait into a leading regional financial and investment hub.

Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), 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 Oct 14. (AP)

TOKYO, Oct 14, (AP): Asian shares were trading mixed on Tuesday after a rally on Wall Street spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump’s reassurances over relations with China. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 1.4% to 47,419.87, as trading resumed following a national holiday Monday. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng lost 0.4% to 25,788.44, while the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.2% to 3,897.56. “Don’t worry about China,” Trump said on his social media platform Sunday.

He also said that China’s leader, Xi Jinping, “doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” On Friday, the S&P 500 tumbled to its worst drop since April after he accused China of ” a moral disgrace in dealing with other Nations.” He also threatened much higher tariffs on Chinese goods.

Still, the status of trade talks between the two biggest economies remains unclear. Despite harsh rhetoric and fresh retaliatory moves on tariffs and export controls, Trump said he still may meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month on the sidelines of a regional summit. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged 0.1% lower to 8,876.20. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.6% to 3,605.10. The S&P 500 jumped 1.6% in its best day since May, closing at 6,654.72.

It recovered just over half its drop from Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.3% to 46,067.68, and the Nasdaq composite leaped 2.2% to 22,694.61. The down-and-up moves for the market echoed its manic swings during April, when Trump shocked investors with his “Liberation Day” announcement of worldwide tariffs.

He eventually relented on many to give time to negotiate trade deals. “After the sharp lurch in US equities on Friday – the worst since the “Liberation Day” tariff shock – markets have delivered a relief rebound – arguably regaining confidence even,” Mizuho Bank said in a commentary. Trump’s wavering on tariffs has helped stocks soar since April.

So have expectations for several cuts to interest rates by the Federal Reserve to help the economy. Critics say the market now looks too expensive now after prices rose much faster than corporate profits. Worries are particularly high about companies in the artificial-intelligence industry, where pessimists hear echoes of the 2000 dot-com bubble that imploded. 

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13: The Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) has approved the request of the Ministry of Public Works to set Oct 27 as the date for negotiating prices with the four companies bidding for the establishment of entrances and exits at Jaber Al-Ahmad City. CAPT decided during its meeting last Wednesday. All bidders have been required to include detailed price and quantity tables in their bids. The agency excluded two companies for not meeting the conditions and specifications, and the bidding process closed on Feb 18.

The project includes the establishment of entrances and exits in two locations in Jaber Al-Ahmad Residential City — one is the southern entrance and exit linking to Jahra Road, and the other is the eastern entrance and exit linking to Doha Road. It is worth noting that the ministry has been holding negotiation sessions with the winning companies to determine the best and most cost-effective bid.

By Mohammad Ghanem Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff