{"id":105638,"date":"2026-02-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2026\/02\/08\/this-morning-ronaldo-no-shows-for-his-second-straight-game-with-al-nassr\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T00:00:00","slug":"this-morning-ronaldo-no-shows-for-his-second-straight-game-with-al-nassr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2026\/02\/08\/this-morning-ronaldo-no-shows-for-his-second-straight-game-with-al-nassr\/","title":{"rendered":"THIS MORNING: Ronaldo no-shows for his second straight game with Al Nassr"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.1500000000000001;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Good morning,<\/strong><strong> folks.<\/strong> We\u2019re kicking off the week with Saudi firing the starting gun on Syria\u2019s reconstruction, signing a suite of agreements to rebuild everything from Aleppo\u2019s airport to the nation\u2019s digital backbone.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.1500000000000001;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Also in today\u2019s issue: <\/strong>Masna Ventures launches the Kingdom\u2019s first defense-focused VC fund, and Fitch sees Saudi bank liquidity coming under strain as gigaprojects shift to operations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Happening today <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.worlddefenseshow.com\/en\" style=\"\">World D<\/a><\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.worlddefenseshow.com\/en\" style=\"\">efense Show<\/a><\/strong><strong> kicks off today and runs through Thursday, 12 February in <\/strong><strong>Riyadh<\/strong>, bringing together defense officials, military leaders, and industry executives from across the globe. The event will be officially inaugurated by Defense Minister and Vice Chairman of the GAMI Board Prince Khalid bin Salman.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Keep an eye on these two heavyweight program features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Future Defense Lab <\/strong>will serve as a high-tech hub for startups and global primes to showcase breakthroughs in AI, robotics, and quantum technologies through live demonstrations and dedicated technical briefings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Meet the KSA Government Program<\/strong> offers a rare, closed-door forum for industry leaders to engage directly with Saudi Arabia\u2019s defense and security authorities. Sessions featuring entities like the Defense Ministry and the General Authority for Defense Development will provide insights into the Kingdom\u2019s capability gaps, procurement priorities, and pathways for localizing 50% of military spending.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>A not-so-smooth start: <\/strong>The event has reportedly seen some UAE companies withdraw, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/middle-east\/some-uae-companies-pull-out-defence-show-saudi-arabia-tensions-linger-2026-02-06\/\" style=\"\">Reuters<\/a> reports, citing two sources it says are familiar with the matter. The move is the latest sign of a geopolitical rift between the two Gulf powers \u2014 centered on Yemen and oil policy \u2014 threatening USD 30 bn in bilateral trade and investment. It is unclear if all Emirati participants in the country pavilion have pulled out.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>ALSO-<\/strong> <strong>The <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/alulaeme.com\/\" style=\"\">AlUla<\/a><\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/alulaeme.com\/\" style=\"\">Conference on Emerging Market Economies<\/a><\/strong><strong> kicks off today and <\/strong><strong>runs through tomorrow at AlUla\u2019s Maraya Hall.<\/strong> The two-day event is organized by the Finance Ministry and the International Monetary Fund Regional Office in Riyadh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Happening tomorrow<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Riyadh hosts the <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pif.gov.sa\/en\/events\/psf-2026\/\" style=\"\">Private Sector Forum<\/a><\/strong> <strong> tomorrow and Tuesday at the King <\/strong><strong>Abdulaziz International Conference Center.<\/strong> The forum highlights multi-bn USD investment windows across 13 priority sectors, such as tourism and renewable energy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.globalgamesshow.com\/riyadh\/\" style=\"\">Global Games Show Riyadh<\/a><\/strong><strong> starts tomorrow at <\/strong><strong>Malf Hall in Riyadh.<\/strong> The two-day B2B festival is organized by VAP Group.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.arcriyadh2026.com\/\" style=\"\">Asian Racing Conference<\/a><\/strong><strong> will also commence on Monday at <\/strong><strong>Crowne Plaza <\/strong><strong>Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention Center in Riyadh<\/strong>, marking its return to the Arabian Peninsula for the first time in about 20 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>WEATHER- <\/strong>Thunderstorms bringing moderate to heavy rain, hail, and reduced visibility are forecast across Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province. Meanwhile, lighter showers are expected over the highlands of Makkah, Al Baha, Asir, and Jazan, with a chance of fog in parts of these areas. Dust-raising winds will sweep through Al Jouf and the Northern Borders.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Riyadh: 27\u00b0C high \/ 17\u00b0C low.<\/li>\n<li>Jeddah: 31\u00b0C high \/ 21\u00b0C low.<\/li>\n<li>Makkah: 33\u00b0C high \/ 21\u00b0C low.<\/li>\n<li>Dammam: 23\u00b0C high \/ 17\u00b0C low.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">PSAs<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>B<\/strong><strong>usinesses s<\/strong><strong>ubject to withholding tax must file their January tax returns by Tuesday, 10 <\/strong><strong>February<\/strong> via the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority\u2019s (Zatca) <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/zatca.gov.sa\/en\/eServices\/Pages\/eServices_066.aspx\" style=\"\">website<\/a>, the authority said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/zatca.gov.sa\/ar\/MediaCenter\/News\/Pages\/Withholding-Tax-January-2026.aspx\" style=\"\">statement<\/a>. Late submissions will face a 1% penalty for every 30 days of delay.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\"> Watch this space<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong> <a id=\"wwtt1\"><\/a> <\/strong><strong>SPORTS \u2014<\/strong> <strong>I<\/strong><strong>s the Ronaldo situation getting out of hand? <\/strong>Cristiano Ronaldo was a no-show for Al Nassr\u2019s game against Al Ittihad, his second straight absence from the lineup as reports keep mounting that the Don is unhappy with how the club failed to score any high-profile signings in the latest transfer window. Rival Al Hilal managed to snag Karim Benzema at the last minute.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The player is reportedly blaming the Public Investment Fund\u2019s <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/issues\/ronaldos-locker-room-dissent-highlights-uneven-spending-in-the-spl\/\" style=\"\">interference and<\/a><\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/issues\/ronaldos-locker-room-dissent-highlights-uneven-spending-in-the-spl\/\" style=\"\">unbalanced spending on top clubs<\/a><\/strong>, as well as deep-pocketed private backers. Alwaleed bin Talal is said to have provided the war chest for Al Hilal\u2019s six signings. Some sources are signalling Ronaldo could head for the door this June if he remains dissatisfied with Al Nassr\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>SPL weighs in: <\/strong>The Saudi Pro League (SPL) said in a widely circulated statement that the league is bigger than any individual player, without referring to Ronaldo\u2019s situation. \u201cClubs have their own boards, executives and football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy rest with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong> <a id=\"wwtt2\"><\/a> <\/strong><strong>AVIATION \u2014 More jets fo<\/strong><strong>r Saudia? <\/strong>National air carrier Saudia is in early talks with Boeing and Airbus over a potential order for at least 150 aircraft, in what could become the airline\u2019s largest purchase to date, unnamed sources told <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-02-05\/boeing-airbus-in-talks-with-saudi-arabia-for-historic-jet-order\" style=\"\">Bloomberg<\/a>. The order is expected to include a mix of narrowbody and widebody jets to both replace aging models in Saudia\u2019s current 200-plane fleet and expand overall capacity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Why it matters: <\/strong>The 80-year-old national carrier is being repositioned with a dual focus to dominate the high-volume religious pilgrimage market while modernizing its brand, whereas PIF-backed Riyadh Air targets global luxury fliers. The purchase comes amid intensifying competition from low-cost carriers both domestically (flynas and flyadeal) and regionally.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Not the first big order:<\/strong> The air carrier purchased 105 Airbus narrow-body jets <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2024\/05\/21\/day-1-of-the-future-aviation-forum-ends-on-a-high-note\/\" style=\"\">in May 2024<\/a> and ordered nearly 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in 2023.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong><a id=\"wwtt3\"><\/a> <\/strong><strong>OIL \u2014<\/strong> <strong>The Kingdo<\/strong><strong>m cut the official selling price for Arab Light crude for <\/strong><strong>March shipments to Asian buyers by USD 0.30 a barrel<\/strong>, bringing its flagship grade to the lowest level since December 2020, according to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-02-05\/saudis-cut-main-oil-price-for-asian-buyers-as-crude-glut-looms\" style=\"\">Bloomberg<\/a>. This also brings the price to parity with the Oman\/Dubai benchmark \u2014 the lowest level in over five years.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The reduction signals that global demand continues to outpace <\/strong><strong>immediate demand<\/strong>, although Aramco opted for a more moderate cut than the expected <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2026\/02\/01\/tadawuls-main-market-is-opening-up-to-foreign-investors-today\/\" style=\"\">USD 0.50-0.85 per barrel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>[wwtt4] <\/strong><strong>TRADE \u2014 The <\/strong><strong>Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to ship 50k tons of copper to <\/strong><strong>Saudi Arabia and the UAE via a US-backed JV<\/strong> between the DRC\u2019s state-owned miner Gecamines and Swiss commodities group Mercuria, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) said in a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/asean.usmission.gov\/2026-critical-minerals-ministerial\/\" style=\"\">statement<\/a>. This comes after Gecamines agreed to ship 100k tons to the US <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/mercuria.com\/gecamines-to-export-100000-tonnes-of-copper-to-the-united-states-with-support-from-mercuria\/\" style=\"\">last month<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>The US is looking to secure its foothold in the DRC\u2019s China-dominated sup<\/strong><strong>ply <\/strong><strong>chain \u2014 and its allies are included in the push.<\/strong> \u201cGrowing cooperation between the US and the DRC ensures valuable critical minerals are directed to the US and our allies, and strengthens the economic viability of our African partners,\u201d DFC CEO Ben Black said in an emailed statement to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-02-04\/congo-to-ship-copper-to-saudi-arabia-uae-via-us-backed-venture?embedded-checkout=true\" style=\"\">Bloomberg<\/a>. China <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/logistics\/2026\/02\/04\/ad-ports-group-looks-to-set-up-shop-in-the-drc\/\" style=\"\">heavily leads<\/a> as the DRC\u2019s major importer, receiving USD 21.6 bn worth of goods \u2014 out of USD 29.6 bn exported in 2024 \u2014 followed by South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, and Spain.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>BACKGROUND-<\/strong> The DFC <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/mercuria.com\/gecamines-and-mercuria-launch-copper-cobalt-joint-venture-in-drc-with-backing-from-u-s-international-development-finance-corporation-dfc\/\" style=\"\">backed<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/africa\/congos-gecamines-partners-with-mercuria-market-critical-minerals-2025-12-05\/\" style=\"\">expressed interest<\/a> in taking up an equity share in the JV between Gecamines and Mercuria to market copper and cobalt back in December, as it aims to expand into germanium and gallium \u2014 key minerals for semiconductors and solar panels.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<hr style=\"height:2px;border-width:0;color:gray;background-color:gray\">\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>SPORTS \u2014 We <\/strong><strong>will not be <\/strong><strong>hosting the 2029 winter games after all:<\/strong> The Olympic Council of Asia <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/oca.asia\/news\/6860-olympic-council-of-asia-signs-host-city-contract-for-the-2029-asian-winter-games-in-almaty.html\" style=\"\">selected<\/a> Kazakhstan\u2019s Almaty as the host city for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which were initially slated for Neom\u2019s Trojena mountain resort. Almaty was selected due to its robust sporting infrastructure, Kazakhstan\u2019s Olympic Committee <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/olympic.kz\/ru\/article\/35483-ofitsialno-almaty-primet-zimnie-aziatskie-igry-2029\" style=\"\">stated<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Trouble at Trojena? <\/strong>The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Olympic Council <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2026\/01\/25\/lucid-wants-to-cut-china-out-of-ev-supply-chain\/\" style=\"\">postponed<\/a> the event earlier this year, following reports of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/ksa\/2025\/08\/24\/could-trojena-delays-move-2029-asian-winter-games-out-of-saudi\/\" style=\"\">construction hurdles<\/a> at Trojena that surfaced late last year. At the time, both entities were reportedly on the lookout for another city to host the games.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">Data point<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>5.2 tons \u2014 that\u2019<\/strong><strong>s the volume of gold bars and coins purchased in the Kingdom <\/strong><strong>in 4Q <\/strong><strong>2025<\/strong>, marking the highest level in 10 quarters and up from 4.5 tons in 3Q, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/asharqbusiness.com\/economics\/117952\/%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%87%D8%A8-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A3%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B0-10-%D9%81%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%84\/\" style=\"\">Asharq Business<\/a> reports, citing World Gold Council data.<\/p>\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md-12 subscribe-box-panel\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<div class=\"title\">\n<h4 class=\"fw-lighter mb-10\">   Get <b style=\"font-weight: 700\">Enterprise<\/b> daily   <\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"mb-10\">The roundup of news and trends that move your markets and shape corporate agendas delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<p>  <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"ksa\/en\/user\/NewsLetters\" class=\"btn-green px-3 d-flex align-items-center\">Subscribe here<\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>***<\/strong><strong>You\u2019re reading EnterpriseAM Saudi<\/strong>, your essential daily roundup of business, economics, and must-read news about Saudi, delivered straight to your inbox. We\u2019re out Sunday through Thursday by 7am Riyadh time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>EnterpriseAM Saudi is available without charge <\/strong>thanks to the generous support of our friends at Tas\u2019heel and Hassan Allam Properties.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Want to send us a story idea<\/strong>, request coverage, ask for a correction, or otherwise get in touch? Reach out to us on <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:climate@enterprisemea.com\" style=\"\">saudi@enterpriseAM.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>DID YOU KNOW <\/strong>that we also cover <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/egypt\/en\" style=\"\">Egypt<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/uae\/en\" style=\"\">the UAE<\/a>, the MENA <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/logistics\/en\" style=\"\">logistics<\/a> industry, and the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/mena-india\/en\" style=\"\"><\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/mena-india\/en\" style=\"\">MENA <> India<\/a> corridor?<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Were you forwarded this email? <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/enterprise.news\/ksa\/en\/user\/news-letters\" style=\"\">Tap or click here<\/a> to get your own copy of EnterpriseAM Saudi delivered every weekday.<br \/><strong>***<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\">\n<p class=\"tag-border-left\">The big story abroad <\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>Global headlines this morning are focused on the <\/strong><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/us\/washington-post-publisher-will-lewis-announces-departure-2026-02-07\/\" style=\"\">resignation<\/a><\/strong><strong> of Washington Post CEO <\/strong><strong>Will Lewis<\/strong>, which came just days after the organization <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/02\/07\/washington-post-publisher-will-lewis-says-hes-stepping-down-days-after-big-layoffs-at-the-paper-00770487\" style=\"\">laid off one-third<\/a> of its staff. Lewis took over in January 2024 and presided over a rather unstable period in the paper\u2019s lifetime, which saw mass layoffs and the resignation of one of its top editors. The paper\u2019s CFO Jeff D'Onofrio will take the lead as publisher and CEO.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.15;orphans:2;widows:2;text-align:left\"><strong>MEANWHILE, IN MARKETS- <\/strong>BTC has officially <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/bitcoin-loses-trump-era-gains-crypto-market-volatility-signals-uncertainty-2026-02-07\/\" style=\"\">lost all its gains<\/a> since US President Donald Trump\u2019s inauguration last year, as thin liquidity and price volatility push investors away from the cryptocurrency. The slump is likely to persist \u201cfor some time,\u201d research analyst at Kaiko Thomas Probst told Reuters. BTC is now trading at around the USD 69k mark, down 20.7% YTD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Saudia eyes record 150-jet order with Boeing and Airbus<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":105639,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_primary_brand":0,"newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_show_updated_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2540],"tags":[4828,1246,10,159,2766,9],"brand":[],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"class_list":["post-105638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-what-were-tracking-today","tag-copper","tag-cristiano-ronaldo","tag-enterpriseam-ksa","tag-oil-watch","tag-saudia","tag-what-were-tracking-today","wpautop","entry"],"acf":{"mongo_id":"d41b4eea-1176-4b3f-9e0a-849d35de188f","order":"2","is_powered_by":false,"story_type":"4","photo_url":"https:\/\/ent.news\/2026\/2\/470.jpg","photo_position":"above","homepage_title":"","full_issue_title":"Ronaldo no-shows for second straight game","related_issue":[105636],"teaser":"Saudia eyes record 150-jet order with Boeing and Airbus"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - 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