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Markaz was invited to speak recently in "The Middle East Hedge Funds 2008", held in Geneva. Mr. M.R. Raghu, Head of Research in Kuwait Financial Centre "Markaz" gave a presentation analyzing the current situation in the GCC markets, explaining the effect of the global factors on the local scene, and forecasted the global and GCC future scenarios. According to his argument, although the GCC region enjoys strong fundamentals, yet they failed to shield the GCC markets from the global turmoil. Finally Mr. Raghu said that stability in oil price, earnings surprises, dollar strength, support from sovereign wealth funds, and monetary relief are factors that can change the picture. Founded in 1974 and listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1997, Markaz is one of the regional financial institutions specializing in investment banking and asset management. As of September 30, 2008, Markaz's assets under management totaled KD 1.1 billion. Markaz is rated BBB+ by Capital Intelligence. ### Photo caption: Mr. M.R. Raghu, Head of Research in Kuwait Financial Centre "Markaz" For further information, please contact: Mariam Al - Suwailem Senior Media & Communications Officer Kuwait Financial Centre S.A.K. "Markaz" Direct: +965 22248078 Tel: +965 2224 8000 ext 1817 Fax: +965 2241 4499 Email: [email protected]