When it comes to Corporate Bonds, Turn to NBK Capital

Investment is always a fine way to maintain a fantastic security for your income. It, however, depends on what you are investing in, but suffice to say, it does yields a desired result. Of course, investments are subjected to risks and making sure on what you are investing in crucial to maintain a credible option of investment. If you are a risk-taker and have the provisions to do so, then investing in shares will be the perfect option. Similarly, corporate bonds will also help you to gain more in return, than you had invested.

Corporate Bonds Involve Risks, But Yields High Returns

A corporate bond is a debt security that has been issued by a corporation and sold to investors. Since it is associated with a private corporation, corporate bonds are prone to a higher risk than a government bond. Hence, the interest rates provided on corporate bonds are always higher than that of a government bond. This allows you to gain a favorable return against the amount you invested. People often opt for corporate bonds as they serve as a good source of investment, assuring a worthy return.

In most of the cases, you will have to take a huge leap in the risk factor, as any corporation has the ability to go down under, without a moment’s notice. This may cause for a sharp fall on the amount that you invested, but if your investment gets the time to mature, then you are certainly in for a treat. It is for this reason that most investors are advised to invest on corporate bonds offered by credible corporations, so that they can protect themselves form any such financial crisis.

NBK Capital Will Be Your Guide For Corporate Bonds

If you need any such information on how to invest in corporate bonds, and which one to choose and which to avoid, NBK Capital will be your guide all along the way. NBK Capital is a leading investment management firm in the Middle East region, committed in setting the standard for innovative financial products and services. It is a world-class investment house, which functions on the basis of its customer-centric approach that allows it to focus on the needs of the customers rather than fuelling its own interest.

NBK Capital is dedicated to make its customer’s investment a hugely fruitful one. It will guide you all along your corporate bond investments, and will provide you with the necessary ideas on which corporation will be a good option for you and which one have a bad reputation, which you most certainly must avoid. NBK Capital makes it easier for their customers to move in this financial world and any layman can make suitable choices for investment with the help of NBK Capital.

NBK Capital was bestowed with the prestigious international awards due to their thorough strategy to create value for their investors and clients and for their effective dedication and hard work to cater to innumerable clients ranging from simple individuals to high-net-worth individuals.

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/corporatebond.asp

https://nbkcapital.com/

https://nbkcapital.com/2016/nbk-capital-awarded-deal-year-2016-banker-magazine/

7 Dazzling Benefits of Private Equity Investment

Do you want to know the benefits of private equity investment? Then you have come to the right place. If you think that it is about getting some handsome profit in a short time, then you are completely wrong. It is more about long-term profits. When it comes to institutional investors, private equity is no doubt an increasing part of their asset allocation. Investors are always in search of attractive returns which is not possible in case of the traditional investment methods. Private equity investment has increased by many folds in the recent years and so if you are wondering to adapt it yourself, do have a look at some of the benefits that it provides.

Get access to new potential investments

When you limit yourself to public companies only, you lose the opportunity to get acquainted with some potential investments but in private equity firms you will get exposure to several new companies who can serve as potential investments. In public companies, everything is known to everyone, that is, there is no secret to discover. But in the private firms, there are lots of hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered. But because of the lack of pricing mechanism, you would often see that most of the private companies are underestimated.

You will get the best value of your shares

It has been noticed that private equity investment tends to give much higher values of shares than the traditional trades. Since the private equity firms are always looking for potential companies and have a considerable amount of funding, they can eventually give you the best value of your share.

You will get to play an active role while investing in a private equity firm

In most public firms, you never get to play the active role. You remain passive most of the time. You can obviously exercise some of your influence at circumstances like Annual General Meeting since you are a shareholder. But when seen as a bigger picture, the ultimate decision of your fate does not lie with you; it always stays with the company.

You will get profitable long term investments

The private equity firms invest the money for a long term and this allows the time for proper strategy planning and gathering resources. You can even think of plans that will minimize your risk. A decision taken in haste can often lead complications.

Private equity firms will always want your business to prosper

Private equity firms will always want that your business makes handsome profits because their funds are linked to your business directly. If your business prospers only then will they get their return. This makes them fully committed to your business.

You will get to run your company

Private equity investors will not poke their nose in every matter of your company. You will get to run it on your own. Besides, with the presence of the private equity investors you will even get the expert guidance that will help you in increasing your business.

Your business will grow faster

It has been proved and seen in many cases that when companies are backed by private equity firms, they grow much faster than others.

So, these are the advantages of private equity investment.

Source

https://artivest.co/blog/the-benefits-of-private-equity/

http://www.kbscorporate.com/five-benefits-private-equity-investment/

Witness consistent growth with MENA Asset Management

Structured asset management holds the key to continued success in both the short and long term, for every profile of investor.

It is said that the economy profits from a level playing field. Commerce and trade stands to win when there is equal competition among all stakeholders, and when there is increased participation among all entities, whether they be companies raising equity capital or investors looking for a good opportunity.

The Internet has further increased the size of the playing field by breaking geographical boundaries. Today, businesses and private individuals can transact across continents in real time, and also monitor the progress of their investments. Future success as an investor depends on the kinds of instruments adopted in the present. But even more important is the right kind of asset management that a good financial advisory firm can provide.

Why asset management matters

Asset management comprises structured planning, organisation, resource allocation, and daily monitoring of the investment. This process is necessary so as to keep the asset growing in the right direction. It also helps add value to the investment portfolio.

The opening of the economies in several MENA countries has also spurred the need for good MENA asset management practices for investors. Trading on the stock markets of the MENA region and beyond, making decisions about equity and debt capital funding and also playing the IPO scene, requires deft handling from an experienced advisory firm. The firm can customise an investment plan and add tremendous value to the investor’s financial decisions with market-backed data. With professional MENA asset management, investors need not delve into the daily workings of the markets by themselves. The advisory firms they partner with can practically guide them to success daily.

How MENA benefits from quality asset management

From organising and handling both movable and immovable assets to brokering multi-billion dollar deals, investors in the MENA region are hitting the high notes in terms of financial success. Reputed advisory firms are paving the way for their clients’ future wealth with a slew of planned measures, from resource allocation to IPO listing.

Consider the ways in which you can benefit from MENA asset management:

·         Your chances of success are enhanced since you implement proven ROI strategies.

·         Any potential wastage is reduced or eliminated entirely with deft handling, backed by research and expert analysis.

·         Proven strategies are put to work, but also customised to suit your portfolio.

·         The strategies span the entire product cycle of the portfolio for guaranteed success, with a replicable working model.

·         You get stable results over both the short- and long-term with a team of experienced mentors guiding your portfolio.

NBK Capital: At your service, always

The firm provides cutting edge financial advisory and brokerage services for a range of clients, in Kuwait and the broader MENA region.

The world of business and finance is a complex, constantly evolving one. It is an ecosystem comprising several competing entities and factors. Striking the right balance between these entities and maximising available opportunities, is what helps private individuals and companies create wealth for themselves.

Helping the business and commerce ecosystem along, are Government policies that allow for a broader reach and involvement from private players. In recent years, Kuwait has broadened the scope for FDI and private investment in the country. This has bolstered the business prospects of the region and buoyed the economy to a large extent.

However, one of the most important components in the commerce, trade and investments arena is the financial advisory firm. Reputed firms like NBK Capital are helping investors gain a foothold in the burgeoning market space. Meanwhile, they also help companies obtain capital in Kuwait. The role of firms like NBK Capital is an all-encompassing one.

How NBK Capital is helping business

The GCC countries have long been interesting markets for the world at large. Countries like Kuwait have a buoyant oil economy, while other sectors like real estate and infrastructure are also ripe for increased market participation. Business opportunities have also opened up with the liberalisation of existing norms for private participation, licensing and permissions for new enterprises.

In this environment, both domestic and international players are keen to participate in Kuwait’s commerce and trade initiatives. This requires the right resource allocation in key sectors of business, with latest reports and research on market trends. NBK Capital helps companies hoping to invest or raise capital in Kuwait by offering expert analysis, structuring their investment portfolios and helping them with correct asset management principles.

Investment and brokerage firms like NBK Capital have a long track record in functioning as the veritable backbone for investors and companies alike. By helping in a range of financial functionalities, from equity funding to IPOs, the firm backs all its efforts with structured plans, deep market research, current analysis, insights into the equity and debt markets and a global outreach network of associates in key markets.

 NBK Capital comprises teams of experts in various niches of business, that bring their formidable financial acumen to the table for the needs of different clients. The company has already brokered several key deals in Kuwait, and it continues to offer customised solutions for both the domestic and international markets. Every operation with the investments and capital arena is dealt with professionally and with the needs of the client in mind. Besides, it gives clients access to its entire range of products and services, guiding clients on their use and taking them through the process every step of the way. 

A wise investment today = A secured tomorrow

Investing in the equity capital market fetches rich returns for the future. Here’s why you should check out Kuwait’s ECM.

Making investments for a better future is par for the course for financially aware individuals and companies around the world. But this does not entail merely deciding to invest – being aware of the various avenues for good investment is the key. Individuals and companies wanting to create future wealth are always on the lookout for great avenues to grow their monies.

In this context, the equity capital market (ECM) is a great marketplace to try. However, it is always better to forge ahead in the ECM with the help of investment banking companies.

The capital markets combine high volatility with superb returns over a period of time. But it is also a complex universe to inhabit. An experienced investment banking company can help by presenting the right inputs and expertise needed to steer the investment in the right direction.

These are a few facts to know about investing in the ECM:

* Stocks are risky! There is no such thing as a ‘safe investment’ or ‘risk free investment’. Every investment carries some element of risk. The risk propensity rises in terms of stocks. Stock prices can rise or plunge in the blink of an eye, riding on market trends and influential happenings around the world. If you are a risk-averse investor, it is better to steer clear of stocks.

* But the returns are excellent. Despite their high risk profile, stocks offer high returns. Your investment can earn a lot of money, especially in the MENA region, where the ECM has been growing by leaps and bounds. However, you must be prepared to stay invested for the long term.

* Do not put all your eggs in one basket! A good investment banking company will structure your portfolio to offer maximum diversification. A diverse portfolio reduces the element of risk and increases the chance of high returns. When you invest in one stock, you stand the chance of losing all your money if the stock fails. You can invest in several well performing companies and buy small and medium stocks.

* Stocks provide regular income. Stocks pay returns via dividends. As an investor, you should be looking at the market trends and also the dividends payable on your stocks. These incremental payments might be affected by the companies’ performance. They are paid every quarter in addition to the stock’s value. With a diverse portfolio, dividends can create regular income for you.

* You can try other options. If you are not comfortable with taking high risks in the ECM, you can try other investment options like precious metals, bonds, collectibles, real estate and deposits, among others. Your investment banking company can recommend a good strategy based on your future goals and risk appetite.

Why should you trade online?

Online stock trading offers several key benefits to investors, the key ones being convenience and real time connectivity at the press of a button.

For decades, stock markets around the world functioned in a dense ecosystem that novices could not understand. Trading on the stock markets required a broker, who would then map the business day using bulky, complicated looking machinery. Both the broker and the investor would have to be near a telephone so as to discuss the day’s strategy and act on business impulses.

Cut to 2017, when most of these elements have fallen by the wayside. Today, the Internet makes it possible for investors to track the markets using their laptops or mobile phones. Sophisticated online tools make online trading a breeze. Besides, many investors are teaming up with reputed investment advisory firms; these firms trade on the markets on their clients’ behalf, thus maximising the latter’s earning potential from one business day to the next.

Online trading is a better option for investors, especially in a competitive business environment. Investors can connect with several markets at once, get a comprehensive look into new trends and take decisions in the blink of an eye, based on the inputs received. Meanwhile, the trading firm also helps these decisions along by offering real time updates and inputs to steer the investor in the right direction.

Besides, online trading is simpler and uncomplicated, with the investor having complete control over the financial decisions of the day. The best investment trading firms also offer mobile apps for investors, so the latter can keep track of the markets at any time using their mobile phones.

How online stock trading is better for investors

Online stock trading encompasses a range of tasks using sophisticated tools that make trading easier and more interactive. The online tools help investors gain real time connectivity with the markets. So whether you wish to trade on the Kuwaiti stock exchange or look for trends in the US stock market, the online stock trading platform offers ease and immediate access to both.

The online investment trading firm that your company partners with also plays a key role in the online trading universe. Reputed firms provide access to their entire product suite, so investors can trade as per their level of expertise, risk profile and financial goals. Besides, the firms offer such functionalities like mobile trading, real time pricing, indexing, etc.

Another key benefit of online trading is that you need not maintain multiple accounts for different functions. A single account can include several platforms and operations, so trading becomes easier. You can access up to seven key markets by using NET (Standard) and PRO (Premium) trading platforms. Meanwhile, the trading firm links your Watani brokerage account with the bank account so that funds can be transferred seamlessly.

7 healthy financial practices for companies

We list the essential practices your business needs to follow for regular growth and prospects.

All over the world, several companies come and go but only a few are able to consolidate and grow. Successful companies do not have a magic wand that helps them garner profits every month. They follow a few important financial principles that help them stay afloat even in challenging times.

We list the important financial practices your company can follow for future success:

1 Draw a monthly expense chart.

Every company, whether big or small in size, must have an idea of how much money it spends every month. Compulsory heads of payment include office overheads, staff salaries, company supplies, transport, machinery maintenance, vendor payments, etc. Apart from these mandatory heads, it is important to trim expenses that bleed the company revenues. This helps save money which can be plugged back into the business.

2 Have a business plan for two years.

Many companies start out by taking each business day as it comes. This is hardly conducive to growth over the long term. A company that plans ahead and sticks to its plan is able to achieve all its goals. Draw up a business plan for two years, breaking it down to a month-wise schedule of tasks, new pitches, investments and projected revenue inflows.

3 Be alert about receivables.

Some clients do not pay bills on time, even when the invoices are presented as soon as the project is complete. Delayed payments can even force you to put a few operations on hold. Following up on payments after presenting the bills will help your revenues. Moreover, you can incentivise early payments by offering a percentage discount on the final bill for settling payments by a certain date.

4 File all paperwork diligently.

All paperwork related to correspondence with clients and vendors, applications made for new licenses and business-related permissions, expense bills etc. must be filed such that you can summon the figures instantly. Properly filed paperwork helps balance the books every year.

5 Look up investment options.

Your company’s surplus funds must be invested so that the monies yield sufficient returns for future business prospects. On the other end of the spectrum, you can explore options for raising private investment via equity capital for your company. Private investment also encompasses raising debt funding. Your company can also choose to monetise certain idle assets.

6 Hire a professional advisory firm.

You cannot reasonably look up private investment and monitor your company’s growth on a daily basis. You must hire an advisory and brokerage firm to create a financial roadmap and devise strategies to attain the company’s goals. Your profits and revenues can soar with professional handling.

7 Play the markets sensibly.

It is tempting to trade intensively if you have sufficient money in hand. However, do exercise due caution and create a portfolio that comprises a mix of long and short term investment options, for sustained growth and balance. 

An expert’s guide on choosing the right online trading account

We present an authoritative guide on choosing the best online trading account that gets you the results you seek.

Up to a few years ago, it was unheard of for any single individual or company to track and trade on the stock markets without a broker’s help. But this was the pre-Internet age, when telephones and bulky trading terminals were tools of the stock market trading scene.

It is a vastly different scenario that presents itself today. Many investors are able to trade on the markets by themselves, though it is admittedly a challenging task. Advanced technology and myriad digital tools are making it easy for people to open online trading accounts and play the stock markets as per their level of expertise. However, this entails knowing a few tricks and essential information. In this guide, we compile five expert tips on choosing the right online trading account:

* Check its full range of functionalities. The denser the trading account, the more functionalities it offers. You can start with a basic account if you are a novice, but a basic account can become quite frustrating if you have a higher level of expertise. As a serious trader, you must be able to harness the full potential of the account to tap into and analyse current trends. The tool must be able to summon historical data, test new trading methods, provide indexing, real time pricing and also online charting, among others.

* Use an account with a tested trading model. Some trading accounts offer dense functionalities that let you create new trading models of your own. However, many are tested to align with past trading strategies. Also, it is more prudent to go with a tested trading model than invent your own and potentially lose money. Smart investing is about maximising available capital, not reinventing the wheel.

* Get an account from a reputed advisory firm. It is all very well to trade online on your own, but this approach might leave you vulnerable to losing money. A team of experts from an advisory firm is better placed to steer your investment in the right direction. Besides, the firm can open an online trading account for you and even run it on your behalf, based on your financial plan.

* Pick an account with connections to the biggest markets. If you are a novice, you might be content with playing the domestic markets till you are reasonably confident of going bigger. Once you are sufficiently experienced, you can work with a trading account that gives you real time access to the biggest stock exchanges in the world (such as the US stock market). You can then view portfolios across industries, trade in international markets, and also use mobile trading apps to trade on the move, etc. 

How has Kuwaiti real estate grown in liquidity?

Of all the non-oil sectors in Kuwait, real estate has shown good growth. In the years to come, it promises high liquidity and stable growth rates.

The GCC countries have been performing well on many fronts lately. Chief among these is crude oil, infrastructure, construction and real estate. Overall, the GCC countries are moving away from the earlier dependence on oil and petroleum sale to boost the economy. This has opened up new avenues of revenue in other sectors of business.

In terms of real estate, countries like Kuwait have picked up pace in the last decade or so. Apart from its booming oil economy, Kuwait has done remarkably well for itself with its real estate, a major contributor to the economy. Real estate in Kuwait has been performing exceptionally well owing to several factors combining to lower prices.

A focus on Kuwaiti real estate

Real estate in Kuwait has not been hampered in its growth trajectory, the way some other sectors have been. There was certainly a slump in the years 2013 to 2015, but pace has picked up once again. Demand for quality housing is at an all-time high, with rise in expat population and investors looking to buy properties in key residential areas. Not much buildable land is available in Kuwait, and the Government regulates the zonal classification of available land into residential, commercial and industrial. It is not often that the Government may reclassify an existing tract of land to make way for more buildable real estate, which further restricts the land use of available land.

A rising population demands more housing. Fortunately, there is institutional and Government support for the growth of real estate in Kuwait. The sector is today, helping to bolster and diversify the economy in many ways.

Recent Government policies have had a lot to do with the overall expansion of the real estate sector in Kuwait. The Government has taken a remarkably proactive approach towards housing, especially mass housing. It has tied up with several agencies on the ground to help diversify real estate and make Kuwait an ideal housing destination in the Middle East. Financial entities such as the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) and Kuwait Credit Bank (KCB), to name just two, are ably supporting the housing and construction initiatives along, too.  

Extra liquidity has also been ushered in real estate in Kuwait through the country’s wealth being increasingly pumped into domestic real estate projects. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is instrumental in providing this liquidity through well placed funding. Meanwhile, KCB generates liquidity for Kuwaiti nationals wishing to buy into the country’s real estate. This reach also extends to agricultural and industrial initiatives.

PAHW extends loans to married Kuwaitis who wish to buy a house. It also facilitates the provision of houses. 

Investing in Kuwait – A wise choice

Kuwait has emerged as an attractive investment destination across a variety of sectors and industries. Here’s looking at what makes it an alluring investment destination.

When it comes to domestic and foreign investment in the GCC countries, UAE and Saudi Arabia have hitherto been the clear choice for most investors. But business environments are never complacent for long – growing economies of other GCC countries like Kuwait and Bahrain have also been competing strongly. Kuwait, particularly, is trying to shake off its dependence on crude oil and petrol earnings, and focussing on the equity capital markets, and new businesses in media and infrastructure.

To this end, the Government has also introduced new regulations and corporate legislation to usher in foreign investment in Kuwait. Over the years, Kuwait has emerged as an attractive investment port of call – its economy is fairly stable, it has a huge propensity for growth in terms of non-oil businesses, and it has several natural resources that continue to build the GDP.

Here’s a lowdown on why investment in Kuwait is a superb option for private investors and companies:

1 It has several maturing markets. Kuwait is a high GDP country with a high propensity for further growth. Far from reaching saturation levels, it is just getting started in new markets like infrastructure, construction and media. Kuwait is slated to have among the fastest growing economies in the GCC, led by increased equity capital and debt capital funding. Private equity companies are being backed by both domestic and international players.

2 The next frontier is IPO. Several high profile companies in Kuwait are now lining up to get listed on the market. This has led to increased dependence on financial advisory firms that facilitate the IPO unit distribution and acquisition. At the same time, the IPO markets are in a state of positive flux. Kuwait’s Government is completely supportive of initiatives that attract both domestic and international funding. For this, the IPO market is being restructured and streamlined for more local businesses to be able to make the listings cut.

4 A bigger reach for FDI and private equity. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have the largest performing economies in the GCC region. With Kuwait also angling for a bigger share of the FDI pie, the region is set to benefit with higher incendiary foreign funding across a variety of sectors. Kuwait is looking to emulate the successes of UAE and Saudi Arabia in terms of raising higher private equity investment as well as lower the stock percentage holdings to give the IPOs a much-needed fillip.

5 Easier licensing for businesses. Kuwait is working on over 350 new regulations that will make it simpler for new businesses to acquire licenses and incorporation. However, the clear emphasis is on transparency in operations, as stipulated under clauses demanding that the executive management be separated from the board, and that single shareholders may start new businesses by allowing company shares to be transferred. Its long overdue Companies Law may spur increased investment in Kuwait.

NBK Capital Brokerage: Change your league

It is time to enter the League of Extraordinary Businesses as you partner with NBK Capital, the region’s premier brokerage firm.

Down the ages, share and stock trading has been a collaborative effort between investors and brokers. Investors who were in the game for a long time were able to learn the ropes and some could even trade on their own. But a majority of investors were not constantly clued into the share markets and were unable to interpret market data. Thus, brokers have always been an essential component in the share and stock market space.

But the situation is quite different today. The Internet has made our personal and professional lives really simple, and people today are able to study, work and conduct business transactions much easier than before. This is also true of trading on the markets – today, online trading has made investors more self-reliant, and many are able to trade by themselves using online trading technology.

However, an investor cannot simply decide to start trading online. They must be taught a few tricks of the game, and a good broker or brokerage firm must help the investor get started and stay on course to realise their financial goals. Reputed firms like NBK Capital brokerage are helping scores of investors change their lives by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to trade stock online. NBK Capital Brokerage also guides investors through the trading cycle and offers up-to-the-minute market reports so that investors may take informed decisions and modify their trading plans accordingly.

But NBK Capital Brokerage really outperforms itself when it comes to offering brokerage services to high net worth individuals, institutions and companies, who are looking to trade in other markets in the GCC as also the major markets in the rest of the world. The firm has a proven track record in helping customers trade on the international markets, with superior operationalisation of the latest technology and no-lag access to other stock markets.

Customers dealing with NBK Capital Brokerage are able to trade on the markets they wish to, and also transfer their monies seamlessly and quickly with NBK Capital’s help. The firm’s brokerage division is committed to superior customer care through innovative online brokerage solutions, of which HNWI premium and institutional trading services are the highlights, among others. The firm also runs a 24x7 customer care call centre to provide trading information around the clock.

Thus, with better information, continuous research and customised solutions provided by NBK Capital Brokerage, customers are able to take the right steps when trading, and stay focussed on their trading plans.

Online trading: 5 measures for succes

We list 5 tricks for successful online trading that you can use to create wealth in a structured manner.

Trading on the markets is a challenging job, but it can be made easier with the help of technology and lots of personal initiative. Whether trading for oneself or for an investor or company, it helps to constantly track world events, economic trends and even the weather, to know their effects on the markets.

We list 5 essential measures for success in online trading:

1 Treat it like a full time business. Anything treated like a hobby is not taken seriously, and a hobby is essentially an occupation for one’s spare time. Online trading must be performed like it is your day job or business. That does not mean that you must be glued to your computer 24x7, but you must allot your full attention to it during trading hours.

2 Use online tech and tools. Every serious trader makes full use of the available technology to view and analyse market trends. You can easily test a concept based on historical data that you can summon on your screen within mere minutes – this saves time and effort otherwise required in manual number crunching. Besides, there is extremely sophisticated tech available that you can use to increase your trading speed and performance.

3 Don’t take unnecessary risks. The first lesson in online trading is to not sacrifice your trading capital by taking unnecessary risks. That is not to say that there will never be any trading capital lost – that is simply not possible in any trading. Play it safe by sticking to your charted trading plan and you will be in the clear.

4 Study the markets every day. Successful online trading is all about being a lifelong student of the markets. You will need to study market trends every day, get information from a variety of credible sources and constantly analyse market patterns to stay ahead of the game. Deep research and daily study can help you crack both the domestic and international markets once your expertise grows.

5 Use a trading model that has been tested before. It is commendable if you harbour ambitions of reinventing the wheel – but it is both unnecessary and risky to do in the trading universe. Losing money on the markets is bad enough – what is worse is trying out a trading plan that nobody has heard of. Remember, if nobody knows about it, it’s probably not a good trading plan! Instead, you should strive to develop a trading model that is based on factual information, and more importantly, that is a derivative of tried and tested models. 

5 amazing perks of taking personal finance from Emirates Islamic

Emirates Islamic is the best option when it comes to getting personal finance. We present 5 reasons why.

In life, there are many moments when we have the need for extra cash. Whether it is to pay house rent or your children’s school fees, to buy furniture or electronics for your home, or to send back to your home country, Emirates Islamic offers a solution for all these needs.

Personal finance and Emirates Islamic

Here’s a consolidated look at 5 perks of taking personal finance from Emirates Islamic:

1.       It offers a range of financing options to both self-employed and salaried customers, at extremely competitive profit rates.

2.       It offers personal finance up to Dh 3 mn for UAE nationals and Dh 1 mn for expats

3.       Emirates Islamic is reputed for fast turnaround times and minimal paperwork

4.       The bank charges very nominal processing fees.

5.       Customers get insurance cover/Takaful certificate.

Thus, all your personal finance needs are covered quickly, professionally and with utmost transparency. 

The 3 investment strategies that will pay off in the long run

We explain how three important strategies will benefit investors who participate in the stock markets for high returns.

The investments universe is so vast and full of different options, that investors can often be left confused about the investment strategy that they must adopt. Often, it pays to adopt a slow and steady approach for higher gains. A long term strategy also helps investors gauge the markets better and adjust their investments accordingly.

The following three strategies pay off in the long run:

1 Understanding ‘risk’. Most investors equate risk with the rise and fall of the stock market. This definition is often misleading. Rise and fall of rates is simply a matter of market trends. Risk is better seen from the point of view of loss of capital – it is the chance that the invested capital will be lost in totality. Once you correct your understanding of ‘risk’ and what it entails, it becomes easier to choose the correct investment option. At the same time, it is worthwhile to consider the element of ‘volatility’. The more volatile a stock, the riskier it is because it is faster in losing money. However, short term volatility can be offset by long term investment strategy in that stock.

2 Stay invested in both long and short term options. The story of successful investments is both a short and long one! Most investors consider the time frame for investments basis the time frame in which they want the invested capital to show gains. A good example is the population of near-retirement persons who want short term instruments which will mature by the time they quit the workforce. However, whatever one’s age and risk appetite, the investments portfolio must comprise instruments that show both short term and long term profiles. Hence, the first good investment strategy is to build a portfolio for both short term and long term time frames. The strategy must involve getting enough returns to meet your cash inflows for the first 10 years without liquidating other assets. Later, the long term part of the portfolio deals with conservative instruments that can withstand market downturns better. These can come via fixed income securities.

3 Follow a consistent plan. Changing the goalposts of investment goals and returns does not help at all. You might dabble in a series of short term investments for a while, but this does not provide stability. Once your advisor draws up a detailed investment strategy for you (it may span a series of years that are broken down into 5, 10 or 15 years), you MUST stick to it despite short term volatility and gains. Your investment plan is drawn considering your risk profile and overall objectives, and deviating from the plan often is counterproductive to the growth of the portfolio. 

The potential for debt markets’ growth in MENA

The MENA’s debt capital markets have not yet been utilised to their full potential, and have ample space to grow in the coming days.

The financial markets of the MENA region are in a stable condition, owing to large scale deposits in banks and a growing interest in the debt and equity markets. However, the independent debt capital markets still constitute a very small portion of the overall financial markets. Thus, they have a huge potential to grow in the coming years and become a dominant source of funding for the private sector.

For the uninitiated, the debt capital markets trade in such securities as Commercial Papers, Government Treasury Bills, loans and bonds. The markets are split into two: Primary and Secondary Bond Markets.

Why have strong debt markets?

A robust debt capital market increases the effectiveness of private and public companies that seek non-traditional funding sources for their various objectives. At the same time, they strengthen the monetary policies laid down from time to time by the Governments in the MENA region. The stronger the debt and equities markets, the more developed the market operations become, primarily by facilitating higher access for both private and public entities.

Market stability is also an important factor in the process; it promotes better development and sectoral stability as well. Hence, a more robust fixed income market is more stable and resistant to swings in market forces. Besides, it offers more diversification to investors and borrowers.

The debt capital markets can play a crucial role in developing the private sector growth by helping to channelise resources better. They can also be an interesting counterpoint to the traditional bank loans that Governments seek for their own public works projects in the region. Regular issuances and steady benchmarks in the debt markets can go a long way in strengthening revenue flows in the coming days.

Partnering with the right advisors

The debt capital markets departments of the most reputed investment and trade advisory firms in the region have their work cut out across sectors. They are entrusted with the correct placement of debt in the region, and to arrange fixed income securities for companies looking to expand operations here. Partnering with these companies ensures that one receives timely advice to tap into the many opportunities that the MENA region presents.

It is wiser to partner with firms that have a large investor base and an equally large network that can be leveraged to provide the best debt placement opportunities in the region. These firms help companies and private investors raise both conventional and Islamic funding, in line with their business objectives.

Private investments and their management with NBK

NBK Capital provides the best-in-class options for private investments, and offers cutting edge solutions to those looking for private placements both in GCC and outside.

Investors today wish to maximise their capital by exploring a wide range of instruments, and equity capital offers one of the most attractive options today. However, the inherent risk of losing all the invested capital by inadvertently associating with fraudulent entities is all too real. The private placement space can be a tricky area to navigate if one does not have a reliable trading partner to guide one through the process.

What is private placement?

It refers to the sale of securities to a small group of investors so as to raise capital for both short-term and long-term needs. This instrument is often used by companies looking to raise funding for its business goals. Such entities as insurance companies, pension fund companies, banks and mutual funds are significant participants in the private placements universe.

Private placements differ from public issues; in the latter, securities are sold in the open market to the highest bidder for that investment. In the former, the placement is offered only to a select group of investors and may or may not be sold by prospectus. It is an important function in the Equity Capital Markets (ECM) ecosystem. However, its success is assured by partnering with a reputed advisory firm such as NBK Capital, so that maximum equity capital may be raised within the specified time frame.

NBK Capital facilitates transparent transactions between all participants so that sufficient equity capital may be raised by the right means. The capital is raised through new issue allocation, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), marketing, stocks, futures, swaps and derivatives.

NBK Capital offers a wide range of trading activities and principles so that companies may thrive in the ECM ecosystem. The firm helps all its clients assess their goals before moving to strategising and planning their milestones for them. This is done in a way that the firm can leverage its own expertise and wide network in the region and beyond, and thus ensure success for clients with maximum exposure, customised structuring, market-based analysis and regular study and advice in structuring.

Clients’ private placement is thus assured of success with NBK Capital’s Equity Capital Markets group offering a gamut of advisory services. The firm also offers public placement to several regional companies. Till date, NBK Capital has worked closely with such high net worth clients as Saudi Telecom, Kout Food Group, Jazeera Airways, Mezzan Holding and Qurain Petrochemicals, to name just a few.

The best trading companies in Kuwait

Trade and international business flourish in Kuwait, with its robust stock exchange and the best investment advisory firms located here.

Kuwait has long been the land of opportunity to scores of people in the Middle East. Strategically located next to Saudi Arabia and Iran, it has been a port of trade and international business for decades now. It is also fairly cosmopolitan, with many expats and migrants coming to the country for job prospects. The country is also open for several business opportunities, and is witnessing a strong start-up culture in recent years.

Kuwait also has the biggest stock market in the Middle East region, and stock broking and trading is fairly easy here. One can be a licensed stockbroker and start their own firm. There are several reputed trading companies in Kuwait that oversee thousands of investments and international brokerage functionalities.

These trading companies in Kuwait coordinate with investors across several sectoral indices, such as real estate, banking, mutual funds and insurance, to name just a few. Recent advances in technology have made online trading and stockbroking easy and accessible to all – it has opened up the markets to real time international exposure. The best trading companies in Kuwait are able to offer real time online access to international stock markets, such as by trading US securities in US exchanges and dabbling in options trading.

Meanwhile, these firms provide such online trading services as live portfolio updates, portfolio analysis and advanced charting, industry quotes in real time, etc. International access and latest updates from the markets and industries help investors make the right decisions quickly. Also, these firms offer strategic inputs and ensure delivery of latest trading models to facilitate customers’ financial goals are met effectively and as desired.

Some leading trading and investment advisory firms such as NBK Capital, affiliated with NBK Bank, offer customers the benefit of having their brokerage account linked with their bank account, for better synergy at all levels of trade. The banking relationship is thus seamlessly extended to the brokerage partnership, and funds can be exchanged quickly.

It is fairly simple to open a brokerage and trading account online, especially with firms like NBK Capital. The application can be made at any NBK branch or by visiting their online portal.

4 amazing investment opportunities to change your future

We list the four investment destinations serious investors should check out in the Middle East.

The Middle East has always been on the radar of companies and private investors all over the world. In recent years, however, the rapidly growing population and its high number of energy sources have made the region an even more attractive destination. Governments in the region are actively bolstering their economies with a spate of public works and investing heavily in technology. They are also encouraging investment from foreign sources and seeking solutions to end an overt dependence on crude oil all over the region.

The four best investment opportunities in the Middle East are:

1 Buying ETFs. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) help investors gain a broad-based outlook and exposure into the Middle East markets. ETFs targeting all of Middle East are some of the best investment solutions at the moment, with reputed investment companies here offering planned broad exposure to such nations as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. However, these ETFs are more advisable for investors with a high appetite for risk and with a knowledge of upcoming sectors they wish to invest in.

2 Buying country ETFs. Contrary to buying Middle East ETFs, this approach gives a more niche exposure to country-specific markets. This investment solution offers less diversification as compared to the previous one, and its risk propensity is higher. But it enables targeted investment opportunities and exposure to select companies. Reputed investment firms here offer inputs on investing in such countries as Israel, UAE, Turkey and Egypt.

3 Investing in start-ups. A burgeoning start-up culture in the Middle East, particularly in countries like the UAE, has attracted several venture capitalist firms and angel investors to plug their money in these businesses. Many new start-ups are also venturing into the impact business model, which seeks to cause an environmental and social change while also making money. This is a new trend in the investments universe that many investors are considering.

4 Buying into housing. With a rising young population that comprises a huge percentage of expats, housing and allied infrastructure have been key focus areas for many investors. The best investment advisory firms are looking up options for clients to share a piece of the burgeoning housing industry in the Middle East. The real estate and housing infrastructure sectors are two of the hottest investment solutions at the moment. 

The Emerging Future of Kuwait Capital Market

Emerging markets have typical characteristics which are largely responsible for an upbeat status. Kuwait’s capital market is considered as one such entity clearly the earliest in the region. The history indicates a consistently changing capital market scenario with several upgrades as well as downfalls. However, with recent elevations including the technological advancements, Kuwait’s capital market has come to the forefront as an innovative and growing entity.

The transformation in the Kuwait’s capital market is inevitable with the ingress of the private player taking over the management of the KSE. The majority of the reforms through the CMA (Capital Market Authority) are poised to boost the market and its overall value. This in itself is a strong indicator of the emerging future of the Kuwait’s capital market. The communication from the authority is clear and precise. Development of investment devices, refurbish of the entire market to stand up to the challenges of the competition, increasing liquidity and thus allowing investments are some of the alterations which will ensure progress in the capital market sector.

However, there seem to be certain challenges in the Kuwait’s investment sector. Though the Kuwait Stock Exchange is the most happening place in the Gulf region, the activities therein have lately been limited to local investors with more interest in the small-cap stocks. Consequently, several steps have put into place by the CMA for foreign investment as well as the institutional outlay. Certain regulatory issues like inadequate reporting by the companies and poor transparency have created reduced investor confidence throughout Kuwait.

Despite this, the general picture is that of optimism for the near future and positive outlook as a long-term affair. This is largely because the proportion of capitalization to the GDP is almost 100%, thus, making it clear that the Kuwait’s stock market is healthy and strong. The current government efforts directly point towards growth with modernisation and streamlining in the market activity. Newer conducive rules are being introduced by the government which will perform to attract foreign direct investment. Thus, the demand for financial products and raising capital is expected to have a sharp rise in the coming months.

Technological Advancements in Kuwait have been in the air for years together. Newer platforms have been in operation to introduce an array of products like commodities trading, short selling, automated margin lending, to name a few. This works to enhance the potential for growth.

It is an understood fact that the market growth will be motivated by institutional investments as the CMA comes into action in a full-fledged manner. Having said this, the other upcoming capital markets namely Qatar and UAE have had a positive impact on the overall standing of Kuwait. Thus, the Kuwait capital market is in the fast process of upgrade and growth.