Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Saudi investors shrug off Dubai debt crisis
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Saudi investors shrug off Dubai debt crisis
AFP - 1 hour 7 minutes ago
Send
IM Story
Print
Investors follow the market at the Dubai Financial Market in the Gulf emirate December 1. Saudi stocks have closed down 1% as investors shrugged off neighbouring Dubai's debt crisis in the first trading day on the Riyadh market in nearly two weeks.
RIYADH (AFP) - – Saudi stocks closed down one percent on Saturday as investors shrugged off neighbouring Dubai's debt crisis in the first trading day on the Riyadh market in nearly two weeks.
The Gulf's largest equities market sank 2.3 percent when trading opened for the first time after the Eid al-Adha holiday break, but recovered and was off only 1.06 percent at the close.
The main TASI index fell to 6,288.27 from 6355.82 at its last closing on November 25, the day state-owned conglomerate Dubai World said it was asking to suspend payments on 59 billion dollars in debt.
That and the Dubai government's subsequent announcement that it would not guarantee the debts of Dubai World, which is heavily exposed to the emirate's deeply depressed property sector, sent shockwaves through the global financial system, causing regional stock markets to plunge.
"What happens in the Gulf or in Europe or America, that doesn't bother our market," said the manager of a Saudi brokerage who asked to remain anonymous.
Despite assurances from the Saudi central bank chief that Saudi banks had minimal Dubai exposure, the banking and finance sector index fell 2.35 percent on the Riyadh exchange, which trades on a Saturday-Wednesday week.
SABB Bank, the local affiliate of global giant HSBC, which is believed to have one of the largest exposures of any European bank to Dubai, led the losers' column dropping 4.47 percent.
"There is no danger to the banking system in the kingdom," Mohammad al-Jasser, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), said on Friday.
"There is no danger that should force (investors) to run away from the market," he told Al-Arabiya television.
Investors and analysts said they were confident that the Saudi economy, heavily anchored by oil exports, remains sound.
"We trust our government. The SAMA head said our banks are not affected by Dubai's problems," said Fahad, the sole investor on the public floor of Falcom Financial Services in central Riyadh.
"And our economy is strong. We have huge reserves," he said, declining to give his family name.
Saudi Arabia's economy and very inward-focused banks "just don't have those issues" that have hit Dubai hard, said Paul Gamble, head of research at Jadwa Investment.
"The (Saudi) banks themselves as far as we understand have minimal exposure" to Dubai generally and Dubai World specifically, he said.
Saudi banks have not disclosed their exposure to Dubai entities, but Jasser said their exposure to Dubai World debt was less than 0.2 percent of their balances.
A Deutsche Bank analysis estimated they had no more than one percent of their risk assets in Saudi Arabia's small neighbour.
A strong local lending market and SAMA's tough restrictions on the banks lending outside the country have kept them insulated from Dubai's problems.
Moreover, unlike Dubai's heavy investment focus on commercial real estate, most of Saudi Arabia's spending is in key infrastructure -- roads, railways, airports, ports, and power, water, health and educational facilities -- that the oil-rich country is paying for with cash.
And while this investment heavily involves state companies that do borrow money, Riyadh's debt is a low 14 percent of gross domestic product.
The government, meanwhile, is flush with reserves which reached 389 billion dollars in October, up 8.8 billion dollars on the previous month because of rising oil prices.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
News Search
Top Stories
Saudi investors shrug off Dubai debt crisis
OPEC should maintain output: Arab oil ministers
US jobs picture improves, unemployment dips to 10 percent
Polanski to move to Swiss chalet under house arrest
White House accused of 'stonewalling' gatecrash probe
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Woods in marriage therapy after admitting 'sins'
Bernanke admits mistakes, urges Fed independence
White House accused of 'stonewalling' gatecrash probe
OPEC should maintain output: Arab oil ministers
US jobs picture improves, unemployment dips to 10 percent
More Most Viewed »
Global stocks mixed amid Dubai debt crisis
Tiny magnetic discs could kill cancer cells: study
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
Mankind using Earth's resources at alarming rate
Dubai blackout over debt plans to hit Gulf markets
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Saturday, 5 December 2009 US allies offer 7,000 troops for Afghan surge
Turncoat Mafia hitman alleges Berlusconi mob links
Reuters launches website overhaul
Iranian group: health care blocked at Iraq camp
US-TECH Summary
UN 'to probe alleged climate change cover-up'
Iraqis defy bomb threat to attend movie nights
Kate Beckinsale Gets Glam And Vamp In New Vodka Campaign Shots
"Friends" Named The Decade's Most Watched Show On TV
Plagiarism Suit Against "Breaking Dawn" Author Stephenie Meyer Dismissed
There's something in the air: augmented reality
George Clooney's "Up In The Air" Wins NBR Best Film
Egypt Nile ferries collide, 80 believed missing
|
Sudanese who deny Darfur crimes may be charged: ICC
|
Iraqi counterterror chief falls to his prey
Jay-Z And Alicia Keys Spend Another Week At #1 With "Empire State Of Mind"
Two Rwandan peacekeepers killed in Darfur: U.N.
|
CIA can expand using drones in Pakistan: report
Ronnie Wood Arrested On Suspicion Of Assaulting Girlfriend
Israeli stalling blocks Shalit deal: Hamas
Roman Polanski To Move To House Arrest After Posting $4.5 Million Bail
Beyonce, Taylor Swift Lead Grammy Nods List
There's something in the air: augmented reality
|
Senior Kashmir separatist wounded: Indian police
France offers to sell artillery, tanks to India
Canada PM speaks out on rights in China
Gunmen wound Kashmir separatist who favored talks
US, Russia uphold 'spirit' of expiring nuclear pact
3 injured in false fire alarm at Indonesia airport
Italian jurors consider verdicts in sex murder trial
Campaign manager for ex-Conn. rep accused of theft
US Marines launch large offensive
Woman Tackled, Trampled By Deer Stampede
Suicide attackers kill 35 at Pakistan mosque
Polanski takes refuge in Swiss chalet
US Marines launch large offensive in Afghanistan
Police search for man linked to 4 Wis. slayings
AP NewsAlert
Michael Jackson Tops Most Searched Term On Internet
Va. Tech report details new fumbles in shooting
Myanmar court agrees to hear Suu Kyi's appeal
Federal Agents Step Up Manhunt For Thanksgiving Day Murderer
Homeowner Association Threatens WWII Vet With Legal Action Over Flagpole
Moderates seek greater health care cost controls
Gibbs: Obama encouraged by new employment report
Washington Presses Iran About Former FBI Agent Missing Since 2007
Burglary Suspect: 'I Didn't Know They Were Dead'
NY terminals evacuated when wired box found on jet
Jurors Hear Confession Tape In Wimberly Trial; Defense Says Tape Proves Insanity Plea
South Carolina Impeachment Panel Dismisses 28 Of 37 Ethics Charges Against Gov. Sanford
Senate Official: Tiger Has The Answers
Third Person Charged With Assisting Clemmons In Eluding Police
NYC Rock & Roll Hall of Fame annex to close
|
Sony, Disney executives top Hollywood power list
|
Edgar Allen Poe book from 1827 sells for $662,500
|
Pakistan stocks end down after attack; rupee eases
Friendlier Obama tune on Cuba brings musical detente
|
'Tis the season for nightmarish traffic in Lebanon
Roman Polanski released to house arrest in Swiss chalet
Russian classic inspires Indian star to pen script
Strike keeps French museums shut, Louvre reopens
Twisted Sister guitarist recovers from surgery
Film star Richard Todd dies at 90
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame annex in NYC closing
Secret of Stradivarius violin varnish picked apart
Fla. judge wants footage in 'Girls Gone Wild' suit
Chinese Premier Scolds Canadian Prime Minister For Taking Too Long To Visit Beijing
Woman Tackled, Trampled By Deer Stampede
English Teen Has 'Super' Long Name
Two Rwandan peacekeepers killed in Darfur ambush
Firework blaze in Russian club kills at least 101
|
OPEC should maintain output: Arab oil ministers
102 dead in Russian restaurant fire
NATO allies offer 7,000 extra troops for Afghan war
|
Dozens of militants attack Pakistan army checkpoint
|
Egypt Nile ferries collide, 80 believed missing
Apple acquires music service Lala
, Microsoft ink Web search agreement
76 dead in Russian cafe blast: report
US lauds wealth of Afghanistan troop pledges
Hospitalized Thai King makes rare public appearance
|
Turncoat Mafia hitman alleges Berlusconi mob links
US jobs picture improves, unemployment dips to 10 percent
Ecosia search engine fights climate change
Twelve die in drug war shootouts in Mexico
|
Iran rejects IAEA transparency demand on atom sites
Microsoft search engine Bing suffers brief outage
Iraqi counterterror chief falls to his prey
Taiwan's China-friendly party on test in local poll
|
Colombia says Venezuela destroys bridge, holds soldier
|
Philippines imposes martial law in massacre province
|
Sony, Disney executives top Hollywood power list
Apple mute on Lala plans
|
George Washington letter sells for record $3.2M
Obama boosts climate talks with change of plans
Thai king leaves hospital for birthday celebrations
Congress Gets Push To Resist Pressure To Weaken Investor Protection Reforms
Transcript shows man claiming to be spy helped FBI
China swine flu death toll reaches 200
Lawyer: Blagojevich will testify at his own trial
4 US teens held for attempted murder in Japan: police
Man who left water for immigrants faces prison
Indonesia police probe deadly karaoke club fire
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 852
Hospitalised Thai King makes rare public appearance
Kremlin agrees with US to maintain expiring pact
Japan chooses new envoy to Taiwan: lawmaker
Another arrest in Washington police shooting case
Rice an unlikely global warming culprit
Ind. parents grieve slain son, as teen son charged
Philippines imposes martial law in massacre province
North Korea talks seen unlikely to end arms stalemate
Dozens of militants attack Pakistan army checkpoint
GM, Chinese partner join forces in India
OECD urges India to loosen foreign investment curbs
Rolling Stone magazine to launch restaurant, lounge
Spielberg drops 'Harvey' remake
Rich nations must show sensitivity on climate: World Bank
Japan plans huge stimulus package next week
Malaysia's exports rise 1.6% in October: ministry
Vietnam donors up aid pledge by 33 percent: government
Fans kept guessing about Jackson 4 reunion
|
Anvil rocks film documentary awards
|
Invictus achieves its goal without digging deep
|
Could London lose 'libel capital of the world' crown?
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Kylie Minogue to release New York live set
|
"Anvil" rocks film documentary awards
Elvis Costello enjoys TV role as carnival barker
|
20 killed in Indonesian amusement center fire
Police quiz suspects in fatal Indonesian bar fire
Tom Brokaw unhurt in NY highway wreck that kills 1
Singer Blige feels "Stronger" with each challenge
Singer Blige feels Stronger with each challenge
|
NYC Rock & Roll Hall of Fame annex to close
Kylie Minogue to release New York live set
Washington letter, Poe book set auction records
New Caribbean art showcased during Art Basel fair
Elvis Costello enjoys TV role as "carnival barker"
Google buys online collaboration startup
Saudi investors shrug off Dubai debt crisis
Guinea on edge after attack on junta leader
|
About a dozen missing after Egypt ferries collide
|
Iran says needs 20 nuclear sites: report
|
Anti-China opposition gains ground in Taiwan local election
|
Turkish commanders in court to testify in plot probe
|
Nothing will fill hole in our lives, say Kerchers
|
Accidental blast kills 3 in NW Pakistan
1 more body found after Bangladesh boat capsizes
Obama: efforts aimed at economy's long-term health
The nation's weather
Lawmakers get little reaction to Obama's war plan
Protests in Kashmir over separatist shooting
Little resistance in new US-Afghan offensive
Asian nations confident despite tough World Cup draw
Indonesian police arrest alleged kangaroo smuggler
LA Episcopal diocese may elect first gay bishop
Japan fans expect tough fight after World Cup draw
1 killed, 2 injured in Texas refinery accident
Ex-UN weapons inspector condemns Blair, Bush on Iraq
AP NewsAlert
Maldives gets 92.5 million dollar bailout from IMF
Indian court deals blow to Anil Ambani gas project
NKorea orders soldiers to shoot defectors: report
Pakistani c.bank buys 147.8 bln rupees of govt paper
Beware the great 'greenwashing' con, experts warn
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights