Author
Varsha K
Varsha is a finance professional specializing in market research and investment strategy with strong experience in financial services and comapnies like Morningstar. Her work focuses on analyzing global trends, evaluating opportunities across asset classes, and delivering thoughtful perspectives that help investors make informed decisions.
Articles by Varsha K
UAE Non-Oil Sector Growth Hits Fastest Pace Since December 2024
The UAE's non-oil private sector expanded at its fastest pace in eight months during August, with the PMI climbing to 55.3. New orders and export demand accelerated significantly, though hiring remained constrained by regional uncertainty.
The Most Profitable Luxury Brands in 2026: Why Hermès is in a League of Its Own
Hermès dominates luxury profitability with a 41% operating margin in H1 2026, nearly double LVMH's 22.5%. The analysis reveals a significant profitability gap across leading luxury and premium brands.
Saudi Stocks Lead GCC Rally as Oil, Earnings Lift Markets
Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index surged 5.07% in August to a four-month high, led by financial stocks and supported by elevated oil prices and strong Q2 earnings. The rally marked the best GCC performance for the month.
ETF Investors Shift Toward Short-Term Treasuries as Yields Rise: Implications for Sukuk
US fixed-income ETFs attracted $8.6 billion in weekly inflows as Treasury yields climbed to 4.77%, the highest level since January. GCC investors tracking sukuk markets should note that rising US yields directly influence dollar-denominated sukuk pricing and new issuance yields.
Global ETF Launches Reach Record High as Active and AI Strategies Gain Momentum
The global ETF industry reached unprecedented milestones in 2026, with 2,141 new ETFs and ETPs launching through July and global assets surpassing $23.11 trillion. Active ETFs dominated new product creation, accounting for 56.6% of launches amid record investor capital inflows.
ADX Stocks: H1 2026 Earnings and Key Results
Abu Dhabi-listed companies showed resilience in H1 2026 with aggregate profits rising 38% year-on-year, driven by strong performances in banking, real estate, and energy logistics, though gas and petrochemicals faced headwinds.
Saudi Exchange and Muqassa Roll Out Structural Upgrades to the Derivatives Market
Saudi Arabia's derivatives market received significant structural enhancements on August 19, 2026, including one-year fee waivers, margin optimizations, and new market-making agreements to boost liquidity and participation.
SPUS vs. HLAL: Comparing Two Shariah-Compliant US Equity ETFs
SPUS and HLAL are two leading Shariah-compliant US equity ETFs for GCC investors. While both offer diversified exposure to screened US stocks, they differ in index construction, sector tilt, fees, and performance.
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China's Gold Vault Push: A Long Road to Catch the Global Average
China is expanding its global network of gold vaults to boost the yuan's international utility, but its gold reserves at 8% of total foreign-exchange reserves still lag the 25% global average, indicating significant room for portfolio growth.
Egypt’s Stock Market Has More Than Quadrupled Since 2022. The Market Only has one ETF.
Egypt's stock market has surged over 340% since 2022, attracting retail investors and driving record trading volumes. However, currency depreciation and minimal ETF options complicate the investment narrative for GCC investors.
L'IMAD's $8.6 Billion AD Ports Take-Private Puts UAE Indexes and ETFs in Focus
L'IMAD Holding Company has offered AED 6.25 per share to acquire AD Ports Group in an $8.6 billion deal that could reshape UAE stock indexes and alter exposure for index-tracking ETF investors across the GCC.
QIA adds Lesha Bank as first local partner in Qatar Equity Initiative
The Qatar Investment Authority has invested in the Lesha Qatar Equity Fund managed by Lesha Bank, making it the first local asset manager to join QIA's Active Asset Management Initiative launched in 2024.