For CFOs and finance leaders evaluating Amazon marketplace strategies, the build-versus-buy decision represents more than a marketing question—it’s a capital allocation challenge with measurable P&L impact. As Amazon advertising spend scales from six to eight figures annually, the cost structure of managing that spend becomes a critical driver of profitability. Understanding the fully loaded economics…
Saudi Arabia’s IPO market is entering a more mature phase as listings surge and foreign investor engagement grows. But can it weather the crisis in the Gulf? Saudi Arabia has established itself as the Gulf region’s most consistent destination for new corporate listings. While other regional exchanges occasionally produce blockbuster transactions, the kingdom has distinguished…
With the U.S. tax filing deadline of April 15, 2026, fast approaching, millions of Americans are finalising their returns. While many taxpayers focus on compliance, high-income earners and investors face an additional challenge: understanding the impact of the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT). This 3.8% surtax on passive income continues to shape wealth planning, investment…
Jean Riachi, CEO of I&C Bank in Lebanon and FFA Private Bank in Dubai, discusses the Lebanese banking sector’s prolonged crisis, impact of the current war in Lebanon, and the challenges that lie ahead. Global Finance: How is the current conflict affecting the region’s financial sector? Jean Riachi: This conflict will hurt the economies in Lebanon and…
Perplexity’s 50% revenue jump looks like breakout growth. It may instead reflect a shift in how that growth is being generated. By moving into AI agents and usage-based pricing, the company is increasing revenue per user—but also introducing volatility and making performance harder to interpret. This points to a broader shift in AI: growth is…
Trade finance is booming across Asia. But SMEs and micro enterprises still struggle for attention, and complex rules hold back progress. Asian demand for trade finance is expected to remain robust this year, despite uncertainty surrounding US tariffs. Asian exporters and suppliers are increasingly looking to access supply chain finance (SCF), and technological advances including…
What’s Really Driving This Shift Outcome: UK house prices fell 0.5% in March, with the average dropping to £299,677. Mechanism: Rising inflation expectations pushed mortgage rates higher, disrupting buyer confidence. Implication: The housing market is no longer driven by demand — it is being dictated by borrowing cost volatility. This isn’t a housing slowdown. It’s…
Thanks to the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, trade and economic cooperation between inland China and Southeast Asia are growing fast. China’s New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (New ILSTC) is a critical component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), linking the western inland regions to global maritime routes and—it is hoped—enhancing connectivity with ASEAN…
Many portfolios appear diversified at first glance. In practice, true diversification depends on asset allocation, correlation and continuous monitoring. Diversification is one of the most widely accepted principles in investing. From academic finance to institutional portfolio management, the idea of spreading capital across multiple assets is often presented as a fundamental strategy for managing risk….
Home Features Q&A: How Lebanon’s Aviation Chief Keeps Beirut Airport Open Amid Iran War Chaos With most carriers suspending operations, Aziz, a former Middle East Airlines’ advisor, discusses how the Beirut airport keeps operating despite Israel’s strikes on Lebanon. Since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February, air traffic across the…