
UBS raises S&P year end target, eyes more gains in 2026
UBS Global Wealth Management on Thursday raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 to 6,000 from 5,800 and initiated a June 2026 target of 6,400.
The research group also raised its 2025 expectation for S&P 500 earnings per share to $260 from $250 and forecast 2026 EPS of $280, up from its previous estimate of $275.
David Lefkowitz, head of U.S. equities, cited a better than expected first quarter earnings season and slightly higher expectations for GDP growth in the second half of the year for the changes. (Reporting By Sinéad Carew; Editing by Chris Reese)
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Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Bank of China (Hong Kong) x Television Broadcasts Limited ("TVB") "Wealth Management Expo 2025" was successfully held
Driving Economic Momentum, Leading Trends with Mega Events HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 June 2025 - The "Wealth Management Expo 2025", powered by Bank of China (Hong Kong) ("BOCHK") and organised by TVB under the theme of "Driving Economic Momentum, Leading Trends with Mega Events" has been successfully held today. The Expo has brought together leading figures from the government, business and financial sectors to provide in-depth analysis and share valuable insights into market trends through examining the international landscape, RMB internationalisation, the mega-event economy, as well as personal and business financial management. The Expo was officiated by Mr. Paul Chan, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Miss Rosanna Law, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Mr. Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK. Miss Rosanna Law also shared at the summit forum on how mega events catalyse Hong Kong's economy. Other attending guests included Mr. Thomas Hui, JP, Executive Chairman of TVB and representatives from BOCHK. Mr. Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said in his opening speech, "As a leading commercial bank rooted in Hong Kong for over a century, BOCHK fully leverages its regional advantages and integrated offerings to continuously enhance operational capabilities while delivering high-quality services. Apart from actively promoting green finance and inclusive financial development, BOCHK drives continuous innovation in fintech, accelerating its digital transformation. The Bank is committed to supporting Hong Kong in reinforcing its position as a global offshore RMB business hub, while deepening cross-boundary financial business within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." Opening Forum: Experts Shared Insights on Outlook for RMB Internationalisation The opening forum of the Expo, "Dissecting Economic Pulse and Exploring Opportunities in RMB Internationalisation," featured Dr. Jianguang Shen, Vice President of Dr. Rocky Tung, Director and Head of Policy Research for the Financial Services Development Council; Mr. Dong Tao, President of Spring Capital (Hong Kong) Limited and a renowned economist; and Mr. Jack Yang, RMB Business Executive Director of BOCHK, who engaged in an in-depth discussion on the various opportunities in the internationalisation of the RMB, including how enterprises can leverage the advantages of RMB settlement to reduce cross-border transaction costs, as well as the attractiveness of RMB-denominated assets and emerging investment opportunities in the international capital markets. Summit Forum: Unleashed the Powerful Driving Force of the Mega - Event Economy The Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively promoting the "Mega-event economy" in recent years, aiming to generate more business opportunities and attract more tourists through sports competitions, art exhibitions, large-scale international events and conferences. The speakers of the summit forum themed "Mega Events as Economic Catalysts: Synergy of Sports, Arts, Culture and Tourism" are Miss Rosanna Law, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Wilfred Ng, GBS, MH, JP, Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee; and Prof. Douglas So, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Board of M Plus Collections Limited, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation. They conducted an in-depth analysis of the diverse opportunities created by mega events. The three speakers explored how mega events drive economic growth from multiple perspectives, and shared insights on recent preparations for organising sports mega events and their economic contributions, while emphasising the importance of participation and support from all sectors. Five Thematic Workshops and Immersive Digital Experience Zone: Enriching Information and Experience The Expo also held five thematic workshops, where several experts dissected the latest trends in the global economy and markets. Regarding global economic development, two fund workshops "Global Outlook of Asset Appreciation Potential in International Markets" and "From Asia to the World: Multi-Asset Allocation Strategies for Enhanced Returns" along with the cross-border workshop "Strategic Overview on Equity Markets and Economic Insights" emphasised the importance of focusing on Asia and global markets, empowering investors to grasp opportunities across different regions and industries to formulate prudent wealth growth strategies. The legacy planning workshop "Securing Wealth Legacy, Prosperity Across Three Generations" concentrated on planning wealth for the next generation, grounded in love and sheltered by insurance. In addition, the stock market workshop "Decoding the Stock Market: Sector Analysis and Trading Tactics" explored market trends, the AI boom and analysed the prospects of technology stocks. To enrich participants' experience, the venue also featured an immersive digital experience zone. Utilising an LED spherical display and a surrounded screen, the zone showcased three main themes in a one-stop format: anti-fraud, AI data applications and ESG. Participants can learn about BOCHK's digital empowerment. The "Wealth Management Expo 2025" concluded successfully with fruitful outcomes. Through a full day of engaging forums, workshops, digital experience zone and sponsored booths, BOCHK hopes that industry professionals, investors and the public gained insights into changes in the international environment and market opportunities, with a focus on the RMB internationalisation and the diverse opportunities brought by the Mega-event economy, while mastering the path to wealth growth and legacy. Moses Chan Attended the Brand Launch Event and Shared Business Insights with Natalie Tong BOCHK announced the extended collaboration with Private Wealth brand ambassador Moses Chan, appointing him as the premium family wealth management brand FamilyMAX & BOCHK Cross-Border GO star brand ambassador and BOC Life's Star Product & Services Ambassador. Having founded a coffee brand years ago, Moses Chan's "entrepreneur" identity has become as well-known as his acting career. Today, Moses Chan and Natalie Tong, popular Japanese bakery brand co-founder, Best Actress and Business Banking brand ambassador, appeared at the "Dialogue with the Best Actor and Actress" to share how to balance multiple roles as actors and owners of catering business. They also discussed how to utilise financial knowledge and leverage professional teams and fintech services to enhance personal and business wealth management efficiency. Hashtag: #WealthManagementExpo2025 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Bank of China (Hong Kong) x Television Broadcasts Limited ('TVB')


UAE Moments
7 hours ago
- UAE Moments
From Dubai to Anywhere—It's Now a Pricier Ride
If your summer travel plans suddenly feel too expensive, you're not alone. Airline ticket prices from the UAE to popular destinations have jumped significantly since June 13, as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran force carriers to reroute flights, adding time and fuel costs. Destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America are seeing increases of 15% to 60%, according to fare trackers like Google Flights and Skyscanner. These price hikes are directly tied to airspace restrictions over the conflict zone and rising demand during peak travel season. UAE to India: Summer ritual gets pricey For many Indian expats in the UAE, flying home during summer is a yearly routine. But this year, fares to Mumbai and Delhi have seen a steep surge. One-way tickets that typically cost Dh380 to Dh440 are now reaching Dh800, depending on the airline and date—marking a 50–60% increase. For families, the price gap adds up fast. US routes rerouted, fares soar Flights from the UAE to major US cities like New York and Chicago have also become more expensive. Tickets to New York now average Dh1,210 to Dh1,325, compared to Dh1,030 before June 13. Round-trip fares are crossing Dh2,475, up 15–20%, as airlines take longer routes to avoid Iranian airspace. Africa-bound flights not spared Flights to Nairobi are also affected. One-way tickets have jumped from Dh550 to Dh750, while round-trip prices are now hovering around Dh1,195, up 25% in just a week. Some carriers are adding stopovers to safely navigate around restricted zones, leading to longer travel times and higher costs. Europe, Israel routes feel ripple effects Even European destinations not directly over the conflict area are seeing price increases. Flights to Frankfurt, for example, have gone from Dh750 to Dh950 —a 25% rise —due to congestion on alternate routes. As for Israel, direct flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv have become more expensive and less available. Fares are now around Dh1,080, up 70%, with fewer daily departures and longer layovers. Why flight prices are rising fast With portions of Iranian and Israeli airspace restricted, airlines are rerouting over longer paths—through the Gulf, Central Asia, or Northern Africa. This means longer flight times, higher fuel usage, and fewer available aircraft, all of which drive prices up. The summer travel rush is making it worse. What UAE travelers can do If you're planning to fly soon, book early and track fare trends through platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Try to travel midweek or during off-peak hours for possible savings. Also, consider flexible or refundable options, as more changes in flight paths or schedules may occur if regional tensions escalate. Bottom line


Crypto Insight
7 hours ago
- Crypto Insight
The anatomy of a crypto scam: How to stop and prevent common threats
In the vast world of crypto, the line between opportunity and deception is razor-thin. The traits that make digital assets attractive — anonymity, independence and rapid transferability — also create fertile ground for fraudsters. Scams are woven into the fabric of the crypto ecosystem, exploiting trust, greed and fear. Unlike traditional financial systems with regulators, the decentralized crypto space allows opportunistic actors to thrive. Understanding the structure of these scams is crucial. Just as forensic investigators dissect crime scenes, analyzing the architecture of crypto scams reveals the calculated maneuvers used to siphon funds. Each scam follows a familiar blueprint — preying on human psychology and the lack of regulation in decentralized finance (DeFi). Breaking down these frameworks provides valuable insights, helping investors and institutions recognize warning signs and fortify defenses in this high-risk environment. The hook — perfect bait for every target The first stage of any scam begins with the hook: a carefully crafted message or offer designed to capture the victim's attention and trigger an emotional response. Before setting the hook, scammers often invest significant time gathering information about their targets. They sift through leaked emails, phone numbers and other personal information to build a profile, crafting a personalized scam to increase the likelihood of success. By incorporating specific details — such as the target's language or personal information — the fraudsters add a layer of credibility that creates trust. Once armed with their target's details, scammers move to the hook, preying on curiosity, trust and the promise of easy profits. Whether it's a phishing email, a fake account alert or an investment opportunity promising 'guaranteed returns,' the goal is to present something too enticing to ignore. A common example is the fake exchange account scam, in which victims believe they have been given accidental access to a large sum of unclaimed money. The scam begins with an unexpected message stating, 'Your account has been created,' accompanied by login credentials for an account/wallet on a cryptocurrency exchange. The victim logs in and finds a balance of $10,000 waiting for them. Delight is replaced by greed as they attempt to withdraw the funds. But there's a catch: the system requires a small deposit — perhaps $1,000 — to unlock the full amount. Once the fee is paid, the scam becomes clear: the exchange was fake, and the deposit is now in the hands of scammers. This scam works because it preys on greed and the allure of a 'lucky break.' Victims become so focused on the reward that they ignore the warning signs, such as bad grammar in the message or lack of domain security on the website. The setup — establishing trust and gaining access After successfully hooking a victim's attention, scammers focus on building trust. This phase involves cultivating a sense of legitimacy and familiarity with scammersgoing to great lengths to establish a personal connection. Scammers may even employ tactics like investment scams, where they spend weeks or months grooming their victims, engaging them in friendly conversations and feigned relationships to create a strong bond. Only once this trust is deeply established do they introduce the fraudulent investment or fake platform, luring victims to transfer funds that they will never see again. The SIM swap attack is another devastating example whereby scammers exploit technological trust. By gathering personal information that is available publicly on social media, such as birthdays, pet names or even favorite sports teams, the fraudster can impersonate the victim. They then contact the target's mobile service provider, armed with these personal details, and request a phone number transfer to a SIM card in their possession. With control over the victim's phone number, they can bypass two-factor authentication and gain access to crypto wallets, bank accounts and emails. The setup phase succeeds because scammers exploit both technological trust and personal familiarity. Humans are, by nature, social creatures, and scammers exploit this characteristic by building relationships that appear genuine. In the SIM swap, scammers manipulate trust in technology, using the victim's digital security habits against them. The execution — draining funds through hidden mechanisms Once access is gained, scammers move to the execution phase, where they drain funds using hidden mechanisms. This is the most devastating stage, as the carefully designed setup ends in significant financial losses for the victim before they've even realized something is wrong. For example, in 2018, a victim boarded a short flight, unaware that scammers had executed a SIM swap while he was offline. By the time the plane landed, funds had been siphoned from his crypto wallet. With control over his phone number, the scammers were able to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) and gain access to everything. Another good example is the poison wallet tactic which targets large over-the-counter (OTC) platforms. Scammers trick targets into sending small amounts of funds to fraudulent addresses. They do this by creating wallet addresses that look very similar to the initial and final characters of the victim's legitimate address. They then send a small transaction to the victim, hoping the fake address will show up in the user's transaction history. When the victim next makes a transaction, they may unwittingly select the fake address from their history. In this tactic, scammers take advantage of automation and human error. Bots monitor wallet balances, triggering automatic withdrawals when a balance crosses a certain threshold. Meanwhile, the use of familiar-looking addresses plays on the victim's carelessness and trust in their own records. The stolen amounts might be small per transaction, but cumulatively, they siphon off thousands daily, all going virtually unnoticed.