1. CFA Middle East Societies Market Sentiment Survey 2017
Amer Abdul Aziz Khansaheb, CFA
President of CFA Society Emirates
21- Feb-2017

2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

3. Introduction Amer Abdul Aziz Khansaheb, CFA
President of CFA Society Emirates

4. ABOUT THIS SURVEY METHODOLOGY
To coincide with the 2017 Middle East Investment Conference being held in Abu Dhabi on 23rd February 2017, society members in the Middle East participated in a survey to convey their opinions on market issues that the region will face over the course of the year.
METHODOLOGY
The online survey was conducted from 22 January to 12 February Participants included 100 CFA Institute members in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

5. Pre-Conference Survey: Middle East market issues
February 2017

6. Strong dollar to pressurise the currency peg and will negatively impact the real estate market
Q1: How do you think a stronger dollar will affect investments in the GCC?

7. Bond Yields in the region likely to increase in 2017
Q2: Are bond yields in the GCC likely to increase or decrease?

8. Stocks are expected to be amongst highest performing asset class in the gcc over 2017
Q3: Please rank how you expect the following asset classes to perform in 2017 (From highest to lowest)

9. The opening up of Saudi Markets for foreign capital inflow is of the highest importance to the region
Q4: How important will the opening of Saudi Arabia’s markets be for foreign capital inflow into the region and liquidity easing?

10. Healthcare to attract the highest volume of investments amongst non-oil sectors in 2017
Q5: Which non-oil sector in the Middle East will receive the highest volume of investments over 2017?

11. 47% believe the increased cost of raising capital shouldn’t necessarily outweigh corporate profits
Q6: As a result of lower market growth rates in the GCC, will the cost of raising capital outweigh returns that companies make?

12. The trump administration’s energy policy to have a bigger impact on the GCC than trade agreements and Fed developments
Q7: If implemented, which policies by Donald Trump's administration do you believe will affect the GCC the most?

13. Tightening liquidity, non performing loans (nplS) and rising fed rates are biggest concerns for banks in the gcc
Q8: What do you think will be the biggest concern for banks in the GCC in 2017?

14. Crude oil prices to remain in $50-$60 range – unlikely to go higher
Q9: What do you think the most likely average Brent Crude Oil Price will be in 2017?

15. Incentives for foreign and local start ups could be the most effective diversification method and to foster entrepreneurship
Q10: With the growing need to diversify from an oil-driven economy, what do you think would be most effective way to foster entrepreneurship and a start-up ecosystem in the GCC?

16. Improving transparency is the most important step to improve trust in the investment industry
Q11: Please rank the following based on their importance to improving trust in the investment industry (Most important to least important).

17. ABOUT CFA SOCIETY EMIRATES
CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion for ethical behaviour in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. The end goal: to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. CFA Institute has over 140,000 members in 157 countries and territories, including 134,000 CFA charterholders, and 147 member societies.
Media inquiries:
Vadia Rai (for and on behalf of CFA Institute in the GCC and across the Middle East)
FTI Consulting
Tel: +971 (0)