*Key news articles for today* 

The state has appointed an advisor to value Banque du Caire, Prime Minister said during his weekly presser yesterday. “The last valuation has become outdated,” Madbouly said, adding that work on the process has begun. The state will then decide on the size of the stake to offer, either to a strategic investor, or through a stake sale on the EGX, he said.

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the second time at the 4.25%-4.50% range. While economic activity was expanding gradually and unemployment rate lows had steadied, “inflation remains somewhat elevated” and "uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased,” the Fed’s statement said.

The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company signed an agreement to build a 500-megawatt wind farm in the Gulf of Suez region, in cooperation with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.

Egypt is raising the purchase price of newly produced natural gas from some foreign energy companies operating in the country, aiming to encourage production to meet the needs of the local market, especially with the approach of summer.

Egypt's steel exports to Europe declined by an average of 90% in January, amid talk that the EU will impose an initial 15.6% anti-dumping duty on hot flat steel imports from Egypt starting April 7. 

The Cabinet approved a draft decision to set up a committee to develop a proposal for an early warning system to prevent SMEs from facing financial distress.

Egypt's sugar import bill rose by 22.5% last year to USD890 million, compared to USD727 million in 2023.

HRHO 4Q24 net profit after tax and minority interest recorded EGP945 million (+36% q/q, +17% y/y), bringing FY24 attributable bottom line to EGP4,255 million (+71% y/y).

BTFH received FRA approval to conduct numerous securities brokerage activities online.

FRA granted Fawry MSME Finance, FWRY’s fully owned subsidiary, an Islamic financing license. The new license opens the door for Fawry to offer sharia-compliant financial solutions.

ATQA posted its 4Q24 results, reporting a net loss of EGP118.1 million, down from a net profit of EGP141.3 million in 4Q23 and EGP160.4 million in 3Q24, bringing FY24 net profit to EGP577.8 million (-21% YoY).