News archive
Qatar: Risk October 2018
Qatar has shown strong resilience in the face of the economic blockade by its four Arab neighbours. But there is little sign of an end to the crisis and an ongoing risk of escalation. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The growth downgrade by the IMF is the lat...
Kuwait: Risk October 2018
Kuwait will enjoy growth after 2017’s slump thanks to higher oil output and prices. Risks remain relat- ing to the geopolitical and domestic political backdrop and the commercial environment. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Kuwait will get a boost from loose...
Saudi Arabia: Risk October 2018
The political revolution unveiled by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and the possible shelving of the Aramco flotation raise questions about the economic reform programme. Economic risk (MEDIUM): A return to growth in the first quarter of 2018 indic...
Egypt: Risk October 2018
A recent raft of positive economic news and praise by the IMF are further signs the economy is showing signs of responding to the bailout medicine. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Stronger growth, a budget surplus, falling unemployment, and fresh invest- men...
Bahrain: Risk October 2018
Bahrain’s move to become a high tech financial hub could be undermined by concerns over its external financing position, a more hardline authoritarian streak, and diplomatic rift with Qatar. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The downgrade of its sovereign debt...
Tunisia Risk September 2018
Tunisia has striven to push through reforms needed to secure the third tranche of a $2.9bn credit line from the IMF. But political risks further may be lifting after January 2018’s unrest. Economic risk (MEDIUM): Economic actuvity is picking up but t...
Oman Risk September 2018
Oman faces sizeable and persistent twin deficits and the prospect of a meagre growth outlook, while succession risk hangs over the sultanate. Economic risk (HIGH): The drop in oil revenues as Oman stuck to the OPEC cuts pushed the fiscal and current...
Morocco Risk September 2018
The outlook for Morocco depends on its success in pushing through its reform agenda. Meanwhile risks remain from global economic conditions, and high unemployment. Economic risk (MEDIUM): The economic recovery is still on track for recovery but with...