As Turkey's inflation dips to 35%, will central bank pivot on interest rates? Inflation has slowed to the lowest level since 2021, sparking speculation that the central bank could resume easing monetary policy amid mounting pressure on Turkey's finance chief — but analysts caution against a rush. Turkey
Analysis Gulf wealth funds weather US stock dip, target Amazon, Bitcoin in Q1 We take a look at the region’s exposure to American equities as the US president departs the Gulf. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Mubadala investments soar by 33% as UAE deepens AI ties with US Mubadala made 119 billion Emirati dirhams ($32.4 billion) worth of investments in 2024, up 33.7% from the previous year, according to a Thursday statement from the UAE fund. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon secures initial World Bank approval for $400M loan Lebanon is seeking international support to cover an estimated $11 billion in reconstruction costs, as its government navigates ongoing political and security challenges. Lebanon
Gulf central banks poised for 1% rate cut amid Fed's expected moves under Trump Capital Economics’ assumption under a Harris presidency was that basis points would fall by 1.5% between now and May 1, compared with a predicted 1% under Trump. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Egypt: $1.2B at stake as IMF reviews ‘halfhearted’ economic reforms The International Monetary Fund's delayed review began Tuesday, and Egypt could see the release of more than $1.2 billion in financing. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Middle East markets rally after Donald Trump's election victory Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index, the TASI, gained 0.9%, while Dubai's main share index gained 0.5%. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, a key player in the region’s stock markets, gained 0.4%. United States
Saudi Aramco in 'advanced' talks on hydrogen offtake as Q3 income drops 15.3% Aramco's Q3 net income fell 15.3% to $27.6 billion on low oil prices. Aramco is looking to expand into new business areas such as renewables and hydrogen. Saudi Arabia
China to issue up to $2B in bonds in Saudi Arabia as business ties deepen The two countries have been deepening economic and trade ties to help each other meet strategic initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's PIF signs $51B in MoUs with Japanese banks amid Asia push The signings come amid the Future Investment Initiative this week in Riyadh, which attracted hundreds of international companies and investors to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's NEOM attracts $16B in private financing over 2 years Saudi Arabia's flagship sustainability project has attracted substantial private investments and is looking for more. Saudi Arabia
Analysis What to make of Iran's 200% defense budget increase amid Israel tensions The planned increase comes despite a widening deficit and record inflation rates, and after reports suggesting severe damage to Iran's air defense installations and missile production centers in the recent Israeli strike. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
In first, Saudi Arabia to begin trading China-focused ETF: What we know The ETF, which will begin trading on the Saudi Stock Exchange, has raised more than $1.2 billion. China
Saudi's PIF downsizes foreign investment, turns to AI, domestic priorities Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest in tourism, real estate and sustainability as its Vision 2030 deadline draws closer. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
What to expect at Saudi Arabia's eighth Davos in the Desert This year's Future Investment Initiative focuses on tech, energy and investment as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. Saudi Arabia
