Energy

MSCI Emerging Markets Index – How is the GCC placed?

With a total market capitalization of USD 8.3 trillion, the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index has emerged as one of the most important global indices tracked by many ETFs and mutual funds. Inclusion in the index has become sought after not only due to the potential inflows from overseas funds, but also the credibility it gives to the included country’s capital markets. Weightage of GCC nations in the MSCI EM index is quite low Among the GCC, companies from UAE...

Will COVID-19 reduce the appetite for renewable energy projects in the GCC?

The outbreak of COVID-19 has deeply impacted global economies, pushing them into a recession. As health and economic concerns continue to mount, the near-term outlook for renewable energy projects look weak. GCC countries have taken a strong hit in the revenue side of their books due to the sharp fall in oil prices during 2020. The shortfall in revenue and rise in deficits are expected to have a strong near-term impact on project awards in the renewable energy space. GCC...

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – How soon can they disrupt in GCC?

Global demand for electric vehicles is expected to surge during the next few decades. The market was valued at almost USD 103bn in 2015 and expected to be close to USD 400bn by 2024. Sales are growing exponentially and have outpaced expectations, boosted by faster than anticipated battery improvements. World hybrid and electric vehicle (H/EV) sales is anticipated to more than double through 2018, reaching 25.6 million units and accounting for nearly 25% of all new motor vehicles sold. Considering...