RMK Research Update – March 10, 2025

A Note to Our 5,000+ Subscribers: Thank You!

First off, thank you for being part of the RMK Research community! We've crossed 5,000+ subscribers, and your engagement keeps us motivated.

You may have noticed a short break in our updates. Burnout is real, even in markets. Sometimes, stepping back to focus on health and clarity is the best way to move forward stronger.

Now, we’re back with a renewed focus on sharper insights, deeper analysis, and structured updates. Expect more valuable takeaways in every post.

Let’s get into what’s been happening in the financial world over the past few weeks.

Global Markets & Economic Trends

Stock Market & Economic Overview

U.S. Markets:

• The S&P 500 is up 3.4% in two weeks, reaching all-time highs despite concerns over new trade policies.
• Federal Reserve signals caution on rate cuts, inflation remains at 3.2%.
• Tech IPOs are back: OpenAI-backed DeepSeek AI is set for a $12B listing, the largest AI IPO of 2025.

Europe:

• The STOXX 600 gained 2.7%, fueled by strong banking performance and ECB signals of monetary easing.
• German industrial production declines, raising concerns about a Eurozone slowdown.

Asia:

• China’s stock market rebounds after a $280B stimulus package aimed at reviving real estate and manufacturing.
• India’s Sensex hits record highs, driven by foreign investments and strong GDP growth.

Commodities:

• Oil surges to $85 per barrel, following OPEC+ extending production cuts until June.
• Gold at $2,900 per ounce, as investors seek safe havens amid global uncertainty.

Major M&A & Corporate Deals

Microsoft’s $17B acquisition of Mistral AI – Expanding AI dominance. '

Apple exploring acquisition of a major health tech startup, aiming for AI-driven diagnostics.

Saudi Aramco investing $12B in green hydrogen, accelerating Vision 2030 sustainability goals.

Dubai’s Swvl merges with Uber’s Middle East division, forming a regional mobility leader.

Japan’s SoftBank takes a 30% stake in India’s Paytm, reinforcing fintech dominance.

GCC & MENA Business Highlights

UAE’s ADNOC Gas secures a $15B LNG deal with China, strengthening energy ties.

Saudi Arabia launches a $100B AI and semiconductor investment fund under Vision 2030.

Qatar Investment Authority raises its stake in Barclays, increasing Gulf investments in European banking.

Egypt secures a $25B IMF bailout package, stabilizing the economy and reviving investor confidence.

Bahrain’s GFH Financial Group expands into European real estate, acquiring a $1.2B property portfolio.

Political & Economic Developments

Trump’s Victory & Market Reactions

• Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. election, securing 312 electoral votes against Kamala Harris.
• His administration introduced tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, sparking market volatility.
• Investors fear a possible "Trumpcession" as economic growth projections are revised downward. (Full Story)

U.S.-China Trade Tensions

• New semiconductor tariffs threaten global supply chains, affecting chipmakers and AI firms.
• Tech stocks under pressure, with Nvidia and AMD stock dropping as China hints at retaliatory tariffs.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict & Energy Markets

• U.S. expands sanctions on Russian energy exports, disrupting global oil and gas flows.
• Brent crude surpasses $85 per barrel, as geopolitical tensions escalate.

Middle East Risks & Red Sea Disruptions

• Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea due to rising regional tensions are driving up freight costs.
• GCC countries accelerating energy diversification, boosting renewable projects to reduce reliance on oil exports.

?? Final Thought: The Road Ahead

With all-time highs in stock markets, rising trade tensions, and AI innovation reshaping industries, 2025 is proving to be a pivotal year for business, finance, and geopolitics.

At RMK Research, we’re committed to bringing you actionable insights and strategic market updates. Expect more structured, in-depth analysis moving forward.

Thank you for being part of our journey! ??

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