Core Insights - Employers in the UAE are preparing for significant changes in workforce management as 2026 approaches, focusing on compensation strategies that align with economic growth, digital transformation, and talent retention [2][3] - The Korn Ferry UAE Salary Forecast 2026 indicates a shift from reactive pay adjustments to strategic workforce planning, emphasizing long-term capability building alongside competitive compensation [3][21] Economic Context - The UAE economy grew by approximately 4% in 2025 and is expected to accelerate to 4.5% in 2026, driven mainly by non-oil sectors such as finance, technology, and professional services [10] - Workforce growth in the UAE has risen by 9%, with new business formations increasing by 14%, indicating a vibrant economic landscape [10] Salary Trends - Average salary increases across the UAE are projected at 4.1% for 2026, slightly below Saudi Arabia's forecasted 4.6% increase [4][22] - Specialist roles in engineering, technology, logistics, finance, and accounting are expected to see the strongest demand, driven by sector diversification and digital transformation [6][23] Sector-Specific Insights - Industries anticipated to deliver the most robust salary growth in 2026 include banking, real estate, oil and gas, industrial, and retail, influenced by major investment pipelines and evolving operating models [20][24] - In the banking sector, compensation for heads of wholesale banking ranges from Dhs110,000 to 240,000 per month, with senior relationship managers earning between Dhs50,000 and 70,000 [12][13] Workforce Dynamics - High turnover rates are observed in specialist roles, particularly in sales, finance, accounting, and engineering, as employees seek new opportunities in a competitive market [7][8] - Companies are increasingly focused on building the right capabilities for the future, requiring sophisticated approaches to talent retention and development [8][21] Employee Sentiment - While 52% of workers report satisfaction with their current pay, nearly two-thirds are considering job changes in 2026, indicating a shift in employee priorities towards work-life balance and career growth opportunities [11]

"We delivered another quarter of positive comp sales, despite headwinds related to hurricane activity in the prior year. With the closing of the FBM acquisition last month, we look forward to enhancing our offering to Pro customers and creating more sustainable, long-term sales and profit expansion for the company." 9 of 15 Regions Q3 2025 RESULTS Marvin R. Ellison, Chairman & CEO Delivered positive comp sales growth Partnered with Building Homes For Heroes of Mooresville, NC to build first-of-its kind comm ...

Core Insights - Varonis Systems, Inc. has announced the integration of its Data Security Platform Management (DSPM) with Microsoft Purview, enhancing visibility into sensitive data across various platforms [1][2] - The integration aims to support organizations in safely adopting AI applications by providing increased visibility into sensitive data accessed by these tools, addressing the challenges posed by data growth and sprawl [2][3] - This collaboration is designed to eliminate blind spots, strengthen risk posture, and simplify security operations, allowing customers to manage data risks more effectively [3] Company Overview - Varonis is recognized as a leader in data security, focusing on discovering and classifying critical data, removing exposures, and detecting advanced threats through AI-powered automation [4] - The company provides a range of security solutions, including data security posture management (DSPM), data classification, data access governance (DAG), and more, catering to various environments such as SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud [5] - Varonis emphasizes a proactive approach to data protection, prioritizing data security in its operations [6]

Core Insights - More than half of North Americans have lost trust in companies that provide poor experiences or unclear communication, with 71% of consumers indicating a need for improvement in customer experience, a significant increase from 2019 [1][3] Group 1: Customer Experience and Trust - Customer communications are essential for enhancing the customer experience, with companies that prioritize clear and engaging communication likely to gain trust and loyalty [2][3] - 59% of respondents have lost trust in companies due to poor experiences or unclear communication [3] Group 2: Customer Personas - The study identifies two key customer personas: Engaged Explorers and Practical Optimizers, each with distinct preferences for communication and experience [3][4] - Engaged Explorers prefer interactive emails (84%) and want bills and statements consolidated digitally (87%), but only 15% feel they receive a quality experience [3] - Practical Optimizers value efficiency and clear communication, with 44% prioritizing transparency in their interactions, and 41% feel companies meet their experience expectations [4] Group 3: AI and Consumer Expectations - While AI adoption is growing, only 37% of consumers believe it has improved their overall experience, with a notable difference in perception between the two personas [7][14] - 62% of consumers are more likely to engage with companies that have advanced security measures, and 52% are willing to share personal data for better experiences [7] Group 4: Communication Preferences - Key functions companies should prioritize include honoring preferred communication channels (39%), providing simple engagement methods across channels (38%), and simplifying business interactions (33%) [6] - Despite digital advances, 55% of consumers still receive paper communications, with nearly half willing to switch to digital if options are more intuitive and secure [9]

Core Insights - The 2025 Finance and Accounting Technology Expo highlighted the evolving role of CFOs and the finance tech landscape, focusing on modernization, data governance, and AI adoption [1][2][3] Group 1: Technology Vendor Interactions - Decision makers are demanding clearer and more concrete answers from technology vendors regarding data extraction, integration failure rates, and reporting liabilities, indicating a shift towards higher transparency and due diligence in tech stacks [4] - Trust in cloud-based systems is increasingly dependent on the surrounding technology environment, with organizations favoring a single system of record to minimize complications from multiple tools [5] Group 2: ERP Implementation and Legacy Systems - A recurring theme in discussions was the integration of new technologies with existing systems like NetSuite, reflecting a reliance on legacy vendors for flexibility in finance functions [6]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the economic outlook for the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on the recovery of both tech and non-tech exports, and their implications for GDP growth and inflation trends in 2026 [2][3][4]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Broadening Recovery**: The recovery in Asia is expected to broaden as non-tech exports, which account for 75% of overall exports, begin to recover due to easing trade tensions. This is anticipated to positively impact capital expenditure (capex), job creation, and wage growth, leading to increased discretionary consumption [3][19][29]. 2. **GDP Growth Projections**: Asia's real GDP growth is projected to rise from 4.3% in 4Q25 to 4.7% in 4Q26. For Asia excluding China, nominal GDP growth is expected to rebound from 5.5% in 4Q25 to 7.2% in 4Q26 [3][41]. 3. **Inflation Trends**: Disinflationary pressures are expected to ease in 2026, with underlying inflation rising modestly across the region. Asia excluding Japan's headline inflation is projected to remain within central banks' comfort zones, while China's exit from deflation is not expected until 2027 [4][55][58]. 4. **Central Bank Policies**: Central banks in Asia are nearing the end of the rate cut cycle, with most expected to hold rates steady in 2026. Japan is anticipated to implement one more rate hike in December 2025 before pausing [5][6][38]. 5. **Risks to Growth**: Upside risks include stronger private sector spending in the US and accelerated AI adoption, while downside risks involve a potential mild recession in the US affecting Asia's non-tech exports and possible larger stimulus measures from China [7][38]. Additional Important Insights 1. **Tech vs. Non-Tech Exports**: While tech exports have been strong, they are capital-intensive and have limited spillover effects on the broader economy. Non-tech exports are crucial for driving overall economic growth and consumption [15][16]. 2. **Capex Momentum**: The expected recovery in non-tech exports is likely to lead to an acceleration in capex momentum, with fixed capex growth projected to recover to 3.7% in 1H26 and further to 4.4% in 2H26 [29][30]. 3. **Consumption Recovery**: A turnaround in exports and capex is expected to improve labor market conditions, leading to a recovery in discretionary consumption segments. The slowdown in consumption has been attributed to cyclical factors rather than household balance sheet dynamics [32][36]. 4. **Country-Specific Outlooks**: - **China**: Real GDP growth is expected to improve but nominal GDP growth will remain subdued due to ongoing property sector weakness [48]. - **India**: Anticipated to have the strongest nominal GDP growth in Asia at 10.7% by 4Q26, driven by tax cuts and regulatory easing [49]. - **Japan**: Expected to maintain strong nominal GDP growth supported by expansionary fiscal policies [50]. - **Korea**: Consumption is projected to recover due to improved domestic demand and fiscal easing [51]. - **ASEAN**: Economic performance is expected to be bifurcated, with Malaysia and Singapore growing robustly while Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand face challenges [52]. Conclusion The Asia-Pacific economic outlook for 2026 indicates a broadening recovery driven by non-tech exports, with positive implications for GDP growth and inflation. Central banks are expected to maintain a cautious approach to monetary policy, while country-specific dynamics will influence individual economic performances across the region [3][4][5][6][7].

Long recognized as one of the world’s most innovative financial institutions, BBVA is now applying AI at global scale: as a new way of working and a core capability across the organization. We sat down with Antonio Bravo, Global Head of Data & AI and Elena Alfaro, Head of Global AI Adoption, to hear how the bank is scaling AI adoption across teams and business units. Read more: https://openai.com/index/bbva-2025/ ...

Market Overview - Markets were mixed with the S&P 500 gaining 0.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average adding 1%, while tech stocks fell, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping 0.25% [2] - The current market themes include earnings, the government shutdown, and interest rates [2] Earnings Insights - Third-quarter earnings have risen over 13% year-over-year, exceeding revenue growth, indicating increased efficiencies [3] - The rise in profits amidst mounting layoffs suggests that AI adoption is proving profitable for companies investing in it [3] Government Shutdown Impact - The government shutdown is a significant factor affecting interest rates and is expected to be addressed by the House soon [4] - The reopening of the government will lead to the resumption of economic data, which is crucial for the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting [4] Federal Reserve Meeting - The next Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting is on December 10th, with a 65% chance of a quarter-point interest rate cut [5] - Disagreements among Fed members regarding the interest rate cut were reported, indicating potential volatility in the markets upon the resumption of government functions [5] Company Earnings to Watch - Cisco Systems is expected to report earnings of $0.98 per share, with its commentary on global economic conditions being of particular interest [6] - Disney's upcoming earnings report is anticipated to address potential impacts from reduced holiday travel and ongoing negotiations with YouTube TV regarding Disney-owned channels [8] Stock Movements - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) expects increased revenue growth due to strong data center demand, with shares rising nearly 5% in premarket trading [9] - Shares of OKLO Inc., a supplier of energy for data centers, have increased by 3% following their earnings report [9] Commodities and Market Sentiment - Equities are nearing all-time highs amid hopes for an end to the government shutdown, raising questions about whether this is a "buy the rumor, sell the news" scenario [10] - Bitcoin is approaching the $100K mark, a key technical level, while metals like silver and gold are regaining ground after a pullback, often seen as safe havens [10]

Core Insights - Broadcom is advancing an open ecosystem for VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), enabling customers to build and extend modern private clouds with increased flexibility and adaptability across infrastructure layers [1][2] - The new VCF AI ReadyNodes and expanded ODM self-certification program aim to enhance participation from OEMs and ODMs, facilitating the adoption of next-generation technologies [2][4] Open Hardware Ecosystem - Broadcom is expanding its open hardware certification program to include VCF AI ReadyNodes, allowing for self-certification by ODM partners, which will enhance sourcing flexibility and reduce total cost of ownership [2][4] - Supermicro and OVHcloud are among the first to certify their systems as VCF AI ReadyNodes, which will streamline the migration to optimized GPU solutions for AI adoption [3][4] Edge Ecosystem Expansion - Broadcom is introducing new edge-optimized nodes for various applications, supporting the deployment of private cloud infrastructure closer to data generation points [4][5] Networking Strategy - A new strategy to unify network fabrics using standards-based EVPN and BGP networking will simplify operations in modern private clouds, enhancing interoperability and promoting cloud-like simplicity [6][7] - Collaboration with Cisco on the Nexus One fabric solution will provide customers with architectural flexibility and lower total cost of ownership [7][8] Open Source Contributions - Broadcom is a leading contributor to the Kubernetes community and has announced that VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service is now a Certified Kubernetes AI Conformant Platform, reinforcing its commitment to open standards [9][10]

Core Insights - Appian reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $187 million, a 21.4% year-on-year increase, exceeding analyst estimates of $174.1 million by 7.4% [1][6] - The company’s non-GAAP profit was $0.32 per share, significantly above the consensus estimate of $0.05 [1][6] - Revenue guidance for Q4 CY2025 is set at $189 million, surpassing analyst expectations of $187.4 million [1][6] Performance Highlights - The positive market reaction was attributed to strong cloud subscription performance and operational efficiency [3] - Over 25% of Appian's customer base is now utilizing Appian AI, contributing to a 50% increase in large software deals [3] - The company achieved a net revenue retention rate of 111%, consistent with the previous quarter [6] Future Outlook - Management anticipates continued demand driven by AI, with upcoming product releases like Agent Studio expected to enhance adoption [4] - The company plans to balance sales headcount growth with sustainable margin expansion, projecting more modest margin growth ahead [4] - Full-year adjusted EPS guidance has been raised to $0.52, reflecting a 62.5% increase [6]