Reuters Two Saudi banks soared on Wednesday after saying they were in initial stages of a merger, helping lift the mood in other lenders while first quarter financial results buoyed the shares of two blue chips in other Gulf countries. On Wednesday Saudi’s Alawwal Bank agreed to start talks with Saudi British Bank (SABB) about a tie-up that could …

  Bloomberg The dollar rose while US stock futures fluctuated with Treasuries as investors await details of the Trump administration’s tax cut plan that could breathe new life into flagging reflation trades. French election results, strong first-quarter earnings and speculation President Donald Trump’s plan will further boost corporate profits sparked risk appetite this week, sending US equities within striking distance …

  Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Etihad Airways on Wednesday announced all 14 weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi – Sydney route will be operated with its flagship A380 aircraft, effective October 29. The current daily A380 Sydney flights will be joined by a second daily superjumbo service, upgraded from a 328-seat Boeing 777-300ER. The announcement comes as Etihad …