Hafsa Dijoo

Farah Mourad The Analyst Clarifying Global Market Shifts By Hafsa Dijoo Global financial markets influence every aspect of modern life. Since the beginning of this decade in 2020, the world has faced an unrelenting series of crises from pandemics to geopolitical conflicts, each one amplifying the demand for clear, trustworthy financial insight. MAGNAV had the opportunity to speak with Farah Mourad, a Senior Market Analyst at IG Group, whose rare ability to simplify complex financial trends sets her apart. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in communication, Farah brings a rare blend of analytical depth and articulate delivery. She began her professional journey as a reporter at Al Jadeed before joining MBC in the United Arab Emirates as a producer and editor. Over five years in the media industry shaped her ability to communicate with precision skills that now serve her well as a financial analyst. “When I worked in journalism, I delivered the headlines. But as an analyst, I get to uncover what truly lies beneath them.” Farah’s transition into finance was driven by her curiosity during the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt limited by surface-level reporting and sought to understand the deeper forces behind market movements. One moment that stood out was the market panic on August 5, often compared to Black Monday. Despite the alarmist headlines, Farah’s research revealed it was largely media-driven hype. That experience solidified her desire to pursue a more analytical path. At MBC, her work centered primarily on Saudi Arabia’s economy. Today, her scope is global. Farah analyzes markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, covering a wide array of instruments from stocks and commodities to currencies, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, she noted how it created an economic shift that, in some ways, rivaled the Great Depression. “More young people are engaging with financial markets. What was once seen as exclusive to the elite is now widely recognized as affecting everyone.” She also pointed out how the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in globalization. Supply chain disruptions especially when air traffic was grounded made clear the risks of over-dependence. Inflation added more pressure, driving skepticism around fiat currencies and sparking renewed interest in digital assets. “This shift in consumer behavior isn’t temporary. It marks a long-term change in how we perceive money and value.” The conversation turned toward geopolitical tensions, particularly the wars in Ukraine and Palestine. Surprisingly, Farah observed that these conflicts haven’t deeply shaken global markets. Despite widespread concern, stock indices have continued to rise, oil supplies have remained relatively stable, and most price fluctuations were driven by speculation rather than actual disruption. “We’re seeing a new kind of resilience. Investors are no longer shocked by conflict, they plan for it.” She explained that major institutions now factor in multiple scenarios, protecting portfolios against sudden swings. The flood of capital post-COVID has only added to this momentum, with inflation encouraging a more aggressive investment mindset. Farah’s analysis becomes especially compelling when focused on the Middle East. Her understanding of the region is rooted in both her media background and her financial expertise. She pointed to the Etihad Rail project, a transformative initiative linking the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “Just like the Eurail system boosted regional connectivity in Europe, this project could redefine tourism, logistics, and cross-border trade in the Gulf.” Beyond the Gulf, she highlighted investment opportunities in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. These markets, backed by Gulf investment, are seeing major real estate development and logistics expansions. New port infrastructure across the Mediterranean could position them for substantial growth. “Greater regional integration can only bring stability and prosperity. Europe proved that with the evolution of the EU.” Farah was also asked about the UAE’s ability to remain stable amid the ongoing Palestine conflict. She acknowledged the country’s unique position, noting that the UAE has long been viewed as a safe haven thanks to its consistent political and economic management. “In times of uncertainty, the UAE becomes a magnet for investors seeking safety. That speaks volumes about its strategic strength.”  To date, the UAE has not faced direct consequences from the conflict, providing reassurance to smaller investors who are closely watching the region. Farah also discussed how global businesses have had to respond to shifting consumer sentiments, especially with pro-Palestine boycotts affecting major franchises in Muslim-majority countries like Egypt, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Brands such as McDonald’s attempted to reverse public backlash with donations to Palestinian causes, though the response has been mixed. “Companies can’t afford to be silent anymore. Transparency is no longer optional—it’s expected.” She recommended that brands not only clarify their stance but also diversify product lines and market strategies. Adidas, for instance, recovered strongly after parting ways with Kanye West during a wave of controversy. “Reputation can be rebuilt, but only with courage and consistency.” The interview turned philosophical when asked whether individuals could influence global events through their investment decisions. Farah believes they can. “If BlackRock decided not to invest in your stock, you’d feel it. And that same logic applies, even on a smaller scale, when consumers and retail investors make ethical choices.” She pointed to the growing—but recently slowed, movement of ESG investing. In 2023, ESG-focused ETFs reached $480 billion, although momentum has cooled since. Still, she believes the ethical investing trend has staying power. That said, she noted a sharp rise in defense stocks, with companies like BAE Systems gaining as much as 140% in the last three years. While war profiteering may concern many, there are signs of pushback. Barclays, for example, divested $3.4 million from Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense firm. While this didn’t crash the stock, it made a bold public statement. “The message matters—even when the market impact is minimal.” The Middle East’s strategic location makes it a vital artery for global trade. Any disruption in its shipping lanes, Farah warned, can trigger severe economic consequences. The recent Red Sea incident caused freight prices to spike, but the greater threat lies in potential strikes