Author: Dr Issac PJ

Bitcoin is navigating a critical correction phase after a remarkable rebound this year, with analysts suggesting the pause could strengthen its long-term outlook rather than derail it.The cryptocurrency, which touched an all-time high above $124,000 in mid-August before slipping below $108,000, has since stabilised near $115,760 according to CoinMarketCap. The retreat has trimmed about six per cent from investor gains, but experts say the pullback reflects a necessary recalibration rather than the end of the rally.Linh Tran, market analyst at XS.com, noted that Bitcoin’s recent stall after climbing from $107,300 to $118,000 shows the market is cooling off to absorb…

Dubai’s property market, which has been on a remarkable rally for four years, is approaching a decisive turning point with predicted market rebalancing in the offing.Global ratings agencies Moody’s and Fitch both expect a market adjustment in the next two years as an unprecedented wave of housing supply in Dubai meets a slowing pace of demand growth. Their cues come after residential values surged nearly 60 per cent between 2022 and early 2025, fuelled by foreign capital inflows, rising affluence, and record immigration supported by long-term visa reforms.Moody’s forecasts more than 150,000 new homes will be delivered between 2025 and…

President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration overhaul has sparked global debate, unsettling US employers and Indian families, but also opening a window of opportunity for countries such as the UAE and its Gulf neighbours to attract top talent and high-net-worth individuals. Trump’s proclamation, signed on Friday, introduces a hefty $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas — the work permits long prized by Indian engineers, doctors and IT professionals. The move, effective Sunday, will not affect current visa holders or renewals for now, but it is expected to drastically curtail the number of skilled workers seeking to enter the US. A companion…

Oil traders are wrestling with one of the most paradoxical markets in years. In the space of two  weeks, headlines swung from warnings of oversupply and weak US demand to alarm over the accelerating decline in global oil and gas fields.For traders, the picture is muddled: near-term signals point to bearish pressure, yet structural weaknesses in supply are stacking up to create bullish risks over the longer horizon.The International Energy Agency has delivered a sharp reversal in tone that underscores this tension. Not long ago, the IEA warned of a “staggering glut” of crude. Now, its latest analysis points to…

The fifth edition of Diflex, the region’s largest B2B footwear and leather trade fair, will open in Dubai this month at a time when the global industry is navigating harsh tariff barriers in key markets, particularly the US.The show is being positioned as a platform for producers and brands to diversify their reach and capitalise on the $37.51 billion Middle East and Africa (MEA) market, which continues to demonstrate resilient growth.Organised by Verifair, Diflex 2025 will run from September 23 to 25, bringing together exhibitors from more than 16 countries, including leading participants from China, India, Italy and other EU…

Dubai’s super-prime real estate sector continues its extraordinary surge in 2025, posting record-breaking transactions, robust sales volumes, and rising demand from high-net-worth individuals.Prestige districts such as Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Island, Emirates Hills and Dubai Hills Estate have seen transactions that not only shatter previous benchmarks but also signal sustained confidence in Dubai’s ultra-luxury homes market.The evidence is compelling. In H1 2025, ready home sales accounted for 54 per cent of all real estate transactions in Dubai, with off-plan sales making up the other 46 per cent. Villas dominated ready home sales in the super prime segment, making up 69…

UAE companies are lining up to expand investments in India across infrastructure, banking, startups, logistics, and data centres, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, underscoring the growing momentum in economic ties between the two nations.Goyal, who was in the UAE for the 13th meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments, said both sides have “reset their targets” to scale up capital flows and deepen collaboration in new-age sectors such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, retail, and technology. “The UAE recognises India as a key investment destination. My sense is that we can look at…

India’s economy is showing remarkable resilience at a time of mounting external challenges, with punitive tariffs from the US failing to derail its growth momentum.Despite Washington’s doubling of duties on Indian goods, the country remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP projected to expand by 6.5 per cent in FY26. The latest data reinforce the picture of an economy that has not only absorbed external shocks but continues to consolidate its long-term growth trajectory.The tariff blow has been significant in trade terms. August exports to the US fell to $6.7 billion, down 16.3 per cent from July and marking…

The US Federal Reserve has set the stage for a significant turn in global monetary policy with its latest signal that two more interest rate cuts are on the horizon this year, following the quarter-point move announced on Wednesday.The “dot plot” of policymakers’ projections now points to a federal funds rate ending 2025 in a range of 3.50 to 3.75 per cent, down from the current 4.00 to 4.25 per cent after this week’s adjustment. The decision marks the start of a new easing cycle after a prolonged period of monetary restraint and comes against the backdrop of a surprisingly…

GCC banks are on course to set another record in US dollar debt issuance this year, with the UAE playing a pivotal role in the region’s expanding capital markets.According to Fitch Ratings, total issuance is already close to $55 billion in 2025, well above the $36 billion raised last year, and is expected to surpass $60 billion by year-end, or about $40 billion excluding certificates of deposit. This surge reflects large upcoming maturities, robust credit growth, and favourable financing conditions.Saudi banks have been the most active, raising $28.3 billion so far, while UAE lenders follow with $11 billion. Qatari and…