Fitch downgrades China’s outlook to negative on economic growth risks 

RIYADH: Buoyed by the millions of Umrah performers and worshippers throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia braces for a surge in travel for Eid Al-Fitr.  The spike is expected to result in a significant rise in the number of arriving and departing passengers from key Umrah airports.  Air travel between the UAE and … Read more

S&P revises Oman’s outlook to positive; affirms credit rating ‘BB+/B’ 

RIYADH: Carbon markets are set to play a pivotal role in achieving climate goals, with efforts from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, paving the way for a smooth energy transition.  According to a new report from the International Energy Forum, carbon markets are capable of effectively lowering the costs associated with greenhouse gas removal by … Read more

Oil Updates — Crude rises more than $1 a barrel on tighter supply outlook 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is emerging as a proactive leader, pioneering green initiatives to mitigate economic challenges posed by the transformation toward sustainability, according to the International Monetary Fund. A recent report by the IMF highlighted the intricate dynamics at play and underscored the Gulf Cooperation Council and Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning in this evolving scenario. … Read more

S&P upgrades Egypt’s economic outlook to positive

GCC telecommunication firms reinventing themselves as ‘techcos’: S&P Global  RIYADH: Telecommunication companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council region are redefining themselves as technology firms to diversify their revenue streams, S&P Global said.  In its latest report, the credit rating agency noted that moderate growth prospects for core telecom operations are one of the key drivers … Read more

Fitch affirms Kuwait’s AA- rating with stable outlook 

RIYADH: A new premium residency visa has spurred home-ownership demand among Saudi-based expats, with 77 percent now looking to buy a property, a survey has revealed. Global property consultancy Knight Frank surveyed 241 expatriates in Saudi Arabia, and discovered the primary motivation for real estate purchasing in the Kingdom, especially among millennials, is its perceived status … Read more

Moody’s retains positive outlook for Saudi Arabia’s banking sector

RIYADH: Women rejoining the workforce after a career gap could contribute $385 billion to the economies of nine Middle East and North Africa countries, a survey showed.  According to a study conducted by PwC Middle East, this opportunity to increase the gross domestic product highlights significant employment potential in the region. This will prompt companies … Read more

Oil Updates – crude extends losses after dollar rises on shifting interest rate outlook

SINGAPORE: Oil prices fell on Monday, extending losses from the previous session after the dollar rose on market views that higher-than-expected inflation could delay cuts to high US interest rates that have been capping global fuel demand growth, according to Reuters. Brent crude futures fell 14 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $81.48 a barrel by … Read more

Oil Updates – prices rise as investors weigh Red Sea attacks, US rate cut outlook

World leaders in business, finance and tech gather in Miami for the 2nd FII Priority Summit MIAMI: From conflict and climate change to the rise of disruptive new technologies like artificial intelligence, humanity faces an array of challenges. That is why world leaders in business and finance are meeting in Miami this week to discuss … Read more

Oil Updates – prices flat as weaker IEA outlook weighs on US rate cut hopes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s insurance industry is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent until 2028, reaching SR83.7 billion ($22 billion), a study showed.   This growth, up from the current SR68.3 billion in 2024, is primarily driven by the health and motor segments, which together will account for 86 percent of the … Read more

IMF lifts 2024 global growth outlook

RIYADH: The global merger and acquisition market witnessed a 15 percent drop year-on-year to $3.2 trillion in 2023, marking its lowest level in a decade, according to recent findings. Dealmakers grappled with several obstacles, including high interest rates, increased regulatory scrutiny, and mixed macroeconomic signals, forcing them to be more selective in their pursuit of … Read more