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Gaza’s economy could take decades to recover, UN trade body says

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Gaza's economy could take decades to recover, UN trade body says
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: People search through the rubble of damaged buildings following an Israeli air strike on Palestinian houses, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip December 12, 20

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By Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber and Cecile Mantovani

GENEVA (Reuters) – It could take until the closing years of the century for Gaza’s economy to regain its pre-conflict size if hostilities in the Palestinian enclave were to cease immediately, the U.N. trade body said in a report published on Wednesday.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza in the wake of attacks by Hamas gunmen on Oct. 7 have killed more than 26,000 people, according to local authorities, and decimated infrastructure and the livelihoods of its 2.3 million inhabitants.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said the conflict had precipitated a 24% contraction in Gaza’s GDP (gross domestic product) and a 26.1% drop in GDP per capita for all of 2023.

UNCTAD said that if the military operation were to end and reconstruction to start immediately – and if the growth trend seen in 2007-2022 persisted, at an annual average rate of 0.4% — Gaza could restore its pre-conflict GDP levels in 2092.

At best, under a scenario that GDP could grow at 10% annually, it would still take Gaza’s GDP per capita until 2035 to reach the level of 2006, before Israel in 2007 made permanent a land, sea and air blockade citing security concerns.

“It will take until 2092 for Gaza to go back to its 2022 level, which wasn’t at all a good place for people in Gaza,” said Rami Alazzeh, an economist who works on the Occupied Palestinian Territories at UNCTAD.

“I think the main takeaway from the report is that the level of destruction that we’re witnessing in Gaza is unprecedented. It’s going to take a lot of efforts from the international community for the rebuilding and recovery in Gaza.”

UNCTAD said that in order to recover following a previous Israeli military intervention in Gaza in 2014, the enclave needs stood at around $3.9 billion. Those needs would be significantly higher following the current conflict, it said.

“Given the level of destruction and the intensity of the damages we’re witnessing currently in Gaza, and that the military operation is still ongoing, the number required for recovery in Gaza will be multiple times the $3.9 billion required after the 2014 war,” Alazzeh said.

Gaza’s economy had been in a shambles even prior to the conflict due to the Israeli economic blockade, with the enclave’s economy contracting 4.5% in the first three quarters of 2023, according to UNCTAD estimates.

Two-third of the population lived in poverty and 45% of the workforce were unemployed before the conflict. As of December, unemployment had surged to a staggering 79.3%, UNCTAD said.

“I don’t think the international community or the people in Gaza can afford decades of humanitarian catastrophe,” Alazzeh said.

“Gaza needs to be part of the development agenda rather than being treated as a humanitarian case.”

(This story has been refiled to correct the spelling of the economist’s name)

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Five9 stock hits 52-week low at $28.74 amid market challenges

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In a turbulent market environment, Five9 (NASDAQ:) Inc’s stock has touched a 52-week low, reaching a price level of $28.74. This significant downturn reflects a broader trend for the cloud software company, which has seen its shares plummet by -58.79% over the past year. Investors are closely monitoring Five9’s performance as it navigates through a period of heightened volatility and shifting industry dynamics, which have contributed to the stock’s current valuation at this low point. The company’s efforts to rebound from this position will be under scrutiny in the coming quarters as market participants look for signs of a strategic turnaround or further indications of market pressures.

In other recent news, Five9 Inc . has achieved an annual revenue run rate exceeding $1 billion in Q2, a significant milestone despite lowering its annual revenue guidance by 3.8% due to customer budget constraints. The company’s adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 17% of revenue, contributing to a strong operating cash flow of $126 million. The company also confirmed plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 7% by the end of 2024, a strategic move projected to cost between $12 million and $15 million.

Five9’s recent acquisition of Acqueon, a firm specializing in proactive outbound omnichannel customer engagement, aims to expand its AI offerings and bolster its growth. This move is in line with the company’s focus on managing expenses and improving profitability, with initiatives like FedRAMP and expansion into India anticipated to improve gross margins.

In their analysis, Piper Sandler maintained an Overweight rating for Five9, with a steady price target of $47.00, while Needham and BTIG both maintained a Buy rating with price targets of $48.00 and $45.00 respectively. These ratings reflect the firms’ confidence in Five9’s strategic positioning and potential for growth, despite the current challenges and workforce reduction.

InvestingPro Insights

Amid the current market conditions, Five9 Inc’s recent performance can be put into perspective with select data from InvestingPro. The company’s market capitalization stands at roughly $2.15 billion, indicating the size and scale of the business amidst its challenges. Despite the stock’s decline, analysts are showing a hint of optimism, with 20 analysts having revised their earnings estimates upwards for the upcoming period. This could signal a potential turnaround in sentiment or underlying business performance.

Importantly, Five9’s liquid assets are reported to surpass short-term obligations, suggesting that the company maintains a degree of financial flexibility to navigate its current difficulties. Furthermore, while the stock is trading near its 52-week low, it’s worth noting that the relative strength index (RSI) suggests the stock is in oversold territory, which can sometimes precede a rebound in share price. Investors looking for comprehensive analysis and additional InvestingPro Tips on Five9 can find more insights, including 14 other tips, at https://www.investing.com/pro/FIVN.

In terms of financial health, the company operates with a moderate level of debt and is expected to become profitable this year, according to analysts’ predictions. These elements may offer some solace to investors considering the stock’s substantial price fall over the last year. For those seeking a deeper dive into Five9’s valuation and future prospects, the InvestingPro platform provides a fair value estimate of $45.04, which is considerably higher than the current trading price, suggesting potential undervaluation.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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TD Cowen maintains Buy on Terns Pharmaceuticals

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TD Cowen reiterated its Buy rating on shares of Terns Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TERN), following the company’s investor call. The call was held to manage expectations for the upcoming Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study data for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The firm noted the challenges in measuring the efficacy endpoint (EP) due to disease progression and the absence of treatment switch guidelines, which makes major molecular response (MMR) a challenging efficacy endpoint for Phase 1/2 trials.

The interim Phase 1/2 data aims to evaluate descriptive efficacy signals, considering patients’ baseline BCR-ABL levels and treatment history. The analyst highlighted that the once-daily (QD) dosing and the lack of food effect could potentially enhance the quality of life for patients compared to other allosteric tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Terns Pharmaceuticals has been focusing on the development of improved treatment options for CML. The company’s approach to dosing, which does not require food intake, may offer a more convenient alternative for patients, potentially leading to better adherence and outcomes.

The topline data from the 6-month Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study is anticipated to be available in 2025. This data will provide further insights into the treatment’s efficacy and safety, which are critical factors in the ongoing development and potential approval process.

Investors and stakeholders in Terns Pharmaceuticals are expected to closely monitor the progress of the CARDINAL study, as it could have a significant impact on the company’s future prospects and position in the CML treatment landscape.

In other recent news, Terns Pharmaceuticals has experienced significant developments. The biopharmaceutical company reported robust earnings and revenue results, with Mizuho Securities maintaining an Outperform rating on Terns shares, citing strong enthusiasm for the company’s drug, TERN-701, a potential treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia.

The firm expects the first interim Phase 1 CARDINAL study data for TERN-701 in December.

Terns also announced the appointment of Elona Kogan as its new chief legal officer, a move that underscores the company’s strategic development and pipeline advancement.

The company also secured an extension of its office lease in Foster City, California, through 2027, reflecting Terns Pharmaceuticals’ operational stability and long-term planning.

In terms of clinical trials, Terns has made progress in its ongoing Phase 1 study of TERN-701, with interim findings suggesting the drug can be administered once daily with or without food.

This development, coupled with the forthcoming Phase 1 data for another of Terns’ drugs, TERN-601—an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity—expected next month, underscores the company’s commitment to innovative therapies.

These recent developments, from financial performance to executive appointments and clinical trials, highlight Terns Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing efforts to advance its strategic objectives and deliver on its mission. The company’s activities are closely watched by investors and industry analysts, including those from Mizuho Securities, who continue to support the company’s potential.

InvestingPro Insights

As Terns Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TERN) navigates the complexities of its Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study, investors are keeping a keen eye on the company’s financial health and stock performance. According to InvestingPro, Terns holds more cash than debt, which is a positive signal for financial stability. Additionally, with five analysts revising their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, there is a sense of optimism about the company’s potential performance.

However, it’s important to note that Terns is not currently profitable and has been quickly burning through cash, which may raise concerns about long-term sustainability. The company’s P/E Ratio stands at -5.71, reflecting these profitability challenges. Despite these hurdles, Terns has managed a 1 Year Price Total Return of 45.42%, indicating some investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects. The anticipated fair value from analysts stands at 15 USD, while the InvestingPro Fair Value is calculated at 5.8 USD, highlighting a divergence in valuation perspectives.

For those looking for more in-depth analysis, additional InvestingPro Tips on Terns Pharmaceuticals can be found at https://www.investing.com/pro/TERN, offering a comprehensive look at the company’s financial details and stock performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Macron discussed support for Ukraine and Gaza ceasefire with Germany’s Scholz

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© Reuters. France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz shake hands as they meet during the 33rd Evian Annual Meeting to promote economic co-operation at Evian in the French Alps, France, September 6, 2024.     Olivier Chassignole/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza during talks on Friday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the French presidency.

Regarding Ukraine, the two leaders expressed their determination to support the country “for as long and as intensively as necessary” in its war against Russia, the Elysee said.

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