Oil falls below $80 as markets rally on Iran-US peace deal: What to know Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, fell around 3.15% to $79.99 as of 6:55 a.m. EDT on Monday. Iran
Analysis Gulf aluminum pursues global deals as Hormuz crisis accelerates shift Gulf aluminum exporters are targeting global deals amid fallout from the US-Israel-Iran war, which has pushed prices to multiyear highs in early June. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Saudi Arabia lifts 5-year ban on Lebanon imports: What to know Saudi Arabia had been a main donor for Lebanon before ties strained during Hezbollah’s rising influence in the country. Lebanon
Suez Canal traffic soars as Hormuz disruptions reroute energy trade The canal generated $419 million in revenue in April, up 27% year over year. Egypt
Analysis Turkey pushes Iraq, Syria trade routes as Hormuz crisis disrupts Gulf shipping By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Is Jordan ready to normalize ties with Syria? Syrian and Jordanian officials are in technical talks about reopening their border for trade purposes, but analysts have noted Amman's wariness about normalizing relations for fear of its possible effect on relations with its Arab and Gulf allies. Jordan
Can Tunisia handle public sector strike? While the Central Bank of Tunisia recommends taking exceptional measures to deal with the alarming economic situation by imposing new rules on banks to measure the ability to meet their engagements, there is fear the country could go bankrupt especially as labor unions are threatening to go on strike. Tunisia
Palestine stock exchange defies all odds The Palestine Securities Exchange (PEX) announced profits of around $167 million in the first half of 2018; however, the general economic situation in Palestine is going downhill. Palestine
Will Egypt get handle on its public debt? Parliamentary committees are making noise about plans to address Egypt's public debt, in part by establishing mechanisms to optimize the use of loans and grants. Egypt
What rial devaluation means for Iranian government While the devaluation of the rial has had a negative impact on Iranian society, it has the potential to help key economic players — including the government and the Central Bank — to gain a new and sustainable balance in their finances. Iran
Surging prices may push Iran's housing sector back into recession While property prices in Iran have jumped following turmoil across the economy, the sector is headed for another recession as the number of actual deals is dropping. Iran
Economic ties going strong between Israel, Palestine Palestinian-Israeli economic relations seem unaffected by the political stalemate hindering peace talks between the two sides. Palestine
Egypt's horse exports growing now that most bans are lifted Now that many countries no longer ban imports of Egyptian horses, the government expects the country to become a hub for investment in purebred Arabian horses. Egypt
Lawmakers to study how Egypt's civil servants are paid The majority coalition in Egypt’s parliament wants to amend the civil service law to increase what government employees are paid, while some experts and economic observers believe the state ought to instead create a work environment that discourages incompetent civil servants. Egypt
Why is Egypt canceling T-bond auctions? For the second time this year, the Egyptian government canceled the sale of treasury bonds after banks demanded higher interest rates. Egypt
Why Iranians are lured by Georgian delights Iranians from different walks of life seek investment opportunities and residency in Georgia, thinking it would be a gateway to Europe — but is it that easy? Iran
Saudi Arabia hires star lawyer to fight anti-oil cartel bill Former Republican Solicitor General Ted Olson is being paid to push back against bipartisan legislation challenging OPEC’s dominance. Saudi Arabia
