Economic Reports

Economic activity continues to struggle as uncertainty lingers

International & MENA 

Central banks ratchet-up policy tightening to address high inflation

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Oil prices fall in August on global economic recession fears, possible Iran supply boost

International & mena

Sovereign bond yields waver amid shifting inflation and monetary policy outlook

International & mena

Kuwait: Investment and commercial sector sales remain strong in 2Q22

Economic activity weakens amid repeated Covid lockdowns and property sector woes

Domestic economic indicators so far solid as global growth worries intensify

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Solid second quarter drives up credit growth to 9.6% y/y

International & MENA

Kuwait: Inflation unchanged at 4.4% at end of second quarter, but scope to ease in H2

International & mena 

International & MENA

Growth target unlikely to be met; favorable signs for Q3 recovery

International & MENA

Project activity eases in 2Q22, with slow approvals, supply chain issues weighing

International & MENA 

Inflation, hawkish Fed policy and recession fears spur steep declines in equity markets in 2Q22

International & mena

Fed remains aggressively hawkish while risk of stagflation is rising

Oil prices retreat as global recession fears weigh on sentiment

Signs of tentative economic recovery as China slowly emerges from Covid lockdown

International & MENA

World economy faces growing headwinds as central banks tighten policy

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Real estate sales strengthen in 1Q22 with buyers’ focus shifting to the investment sector

International & mena

Kuwait’s economic outlook boosted as oil prices surge and pandemic pressures fade

International & mena

High oil prices help Gulf region ride out global economic headwinds

Oil prices up at nine-week highs as attention switches to tight refined products market

International & mena

Covid-19 lockdowns hit economic activity; yuan weakens on rate cuts, capital outflows

USD index and 10-year treasury yields soar amid high inflation and monetary tightening

Kuwait: Consumer prices up again in 1Q22 amid persistent global inflationary pressures

Robust private sector activity, World Cup, and elevated gas prices underpin strong outlook

International & mena

Growth seen above 5% in 2022-23, but weaker global economy a risk to trade and investment

Kuwait: Rebound in business lending drives up overall credit growth to 8.7% y/y

International & MENA 

Higher oil prices and structural reform measures strengthen the economic outlook

Growth hit as persistent economic imbalances and Ukraine war trigger financial turmoil

Fiscal surplus and ambitious reform and investment plan offer more upbeat outlook

International & MENA 

Economic growth to spike this year on oil sector gains, but reform needs persist

Better than expected growth in Q1 but Covid outbreak and Ukraine war weigh on activity

Sovereign bond yields soar amid high inflation and increasingly hawkish Fed policy

Solid growth momentum to be sustained

International & mena

Project activity eases in 1Q22, should pick up in 2Q22

International & MENA 

International & mena

Oil prices fall on emergency stock releases but Russia/OPEC supply shortfalls mounting

International & mena

International & MENA 

Fed begins aggressive tightening cycle, ends QE amid rampant inflation and higher employment

Russia-Ukraine war provides major new threat to global economy

International & mena

Industrial output and retail sales up in Feb but Covid-19, geopolitics weigh on outlook

Kuwait: Current account surplus declines in 3Q21 on lower investment income

International & mena

International & MENA 

Kuwait: 10-month deficit shrinks on higher oil revenues; draft budget for FY22/23 sees spending cuts 

High inflation, strong growth set to trigger multiple Fed rate hikes in 2022

Kuwait: Inflation at 4.3% in December amid higher housing costs, global food price pressures

International & mena

Kuwait: Real estate sales reach 7-year high in 2021 supported by residential sector strength

Consumer and oil sector gains drive economic recovery amid improving public finances

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Driven by households, credit up 6.3% in 2021, the highest since 2015

Uncertain growth prospects prompt further policy intervention

Oil surges to seven-year highs above $90 on supply worries and geopolitical risk

Inflation and imminent monetary policy normalization push sovereign yields higher

International & MENA 

International & mena

International & mena

Project activity picked up slightly in 2021 and should improve further in 2022

Oil rally extends into the New Year on resilient demand and tighter supply

Global stocks end year on a high note as strong earnings outweigh Omicron and inflation fears

International & mena

Softening economic activity prompts policy intervention

International & mena

Fed to end asset purchases early and signals multiple rate hikes in 2022 amid soaring inflation

International & MENA

International & MENA

Omicron risk, China slowdown threaten to knock momentum from global recovery

International & MENA 

OPEC+ sticks with supply increases despite Omicron and SPR release pressures

Saudi Arabia: Reaping the benefits of reforms and effective policymaking

Kuwait: Inflation at 3.2% in July on higher demand and rising food prices

Key economic indicators remain soft as stagflation worries rise

International & mena

Kuwait: Fiscal deficit narrows as higher oil prices boost revenues

International & mena

Kuwait: Record spending in October, driving broader economic recovery

GDP growth slows in 3Q amid surging inflation, supply constraints and labor shortages

International & mena

Kuwait: Real estate sales in Q3 top pre-pandemic levels as residential sector rally continues

Stronger oil market, diminishing pandemic pressures provide tailwind for GCC economic recovery

Kuwait: Strong household credit growth but muted business credit expansion

Consumption driving the economic rebound as higher oil prices ease public finance and liquidity pressures

Kuwait project activity dips in 3Q21 amid delays and supply chain constraints

International & mena

Prices at near 7-year highs as OPEC+ sticks to output increase plan

International & MENA 

Economy exhibiting solid rebound as pandemic pressures ease, reform measures continue

International & MENA 

Global stocks regain traction in October as solid earnings offset inflation and Fed tapering concerns

Economic growth slows amid energy shortage and property market struggles

Growth in 2022 to benefit from World Cup, and further out by Vision 2030-linked investments

Economy recovering, but fiscal consolidation remains a priority

Economy to improve steadily as reform program accelerates

Economic recovery picking up pace, but commitment to reforms remains crucial

International & MENA 

Global sovereign yields rise on higher inflation and expectations of tighter Fed policy ahead

A quick recovery and a favorable outlook driven by reform momentum

International & MENA 

Economic outlook improving on robust consumer activity, oil output gains and higher oil prices

International & MENA 

Oil prices surge on improved demand outlook and supply tightness

Kuwait: External surplus falls in 1Q21 on lower investment income, oil exports up

International & MENA 

Growth outlook eases as economic indicators soften, property market concerns rise

International & MENA 

Delta worries, supply shortages temper global recovery optimism

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Population continues to decline as expat numbers fall

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Fiscal deficit reaches all-time high of KD10.8 billion in FY20/21

Kuwait: External surplus falls in 2020 on lower oil exports; reserves at record high  

International & MENA 

Reforms help in sustaining growth and dealing with the Pandemic

Q2 GDP data confirms continued economic recovery, while inflation remains elevated

Oil prices recover after falling on oil demand concerns caused by rising Delta infections  

International & MENA 

Growth prospects remain uncertain as economy stabilizes

Kuwait: Spending solid amid vaccination progress and economy reopening

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Accelerating household credit growth and improving business credit trends

International & MENA 

Fresh virus worries dent recovery optimism as US inflation spikes higher

International & MENA 

Growth eased in the second quarter as recovery uncertainty lingers

Global equities advance in Q2 amid stronger data, recovery optimism and bullish sentiment

Employment and activity data point to continued economic recovery but inflation worries mount

International & MENA 

Global sovereign yields trend downwards as Fed signals policy shift, transitory inflation

Kuwait project awards higher in 2Q21, lifted by the construction sector

International & MENA 

 Trade recovery is getting underway in 2021

International & MENA 

Growth accelerates despite ongoing pandemic pressures, reform challenges

Federal Reserve signals tighter policy ahead amid strong growth and higher inflation

Kuwait: Current account surplus up in 4Q20 on higher investment income

International & MENA 

Economic activity gaining traction in the second quarter, led by robust consumer spending

Economic growth surged in Q1 on strong base effects, but recovery may be slowing

Economic recovery gathers pace but fresh US inflation spike fuels concern

International & MENA 

GDP declines 8.9% in pandemic-affected 2020; consumers leading the recovery

International & MENA 

Oil tops $70 on improving oil demand outlook and continued supply tightness 

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Real estate sales return to pre-pandemic levels supported by robust residential sector

International & MENA 

US growth outlook strong but inflation spike triggers overheating concern

Kuwait: Spending solid despite lingering pandemic uncertainty and restrictions

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Inflation edges up to 3.2% in 1Q 2021, led by higher food costs

Kuwait: Robust household but weak business credit in 1Q2021

Oil heads towards $70 on oil demand optimism and despite India Covid worries  

US macroeconomic data shows strong signs of recovery backed by stimulus and vaccine rollout

International & MENA 

Global equities continue to advance on stimulus, central bank dovishness and recovery optimism

Kuwait’s international trade saw further recovery during 4Q20

International & MENA 

Economy improving slowly with ongoing pandemic but should be buttressed by reforms

US treasury yields touch 15-month high as stimulus and vaccines lend support to outlook

Kuwait project awards gather pace in 1Q21, but activity still lower than expected

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Global growth revised up as Biden outlines giant infrastructure proposal

Recovery underway, but region faces extensive post-pandemic reform agenda

Pandemic-linked oil demand concerns continue to weigh on oil prices

International & MENA 

Pro-growth reforms to support economy, downside risks persist

Rapid vaccine rollout to underpin economic recovery

Growth prospects improving, need for reforms persists

Gradual recovery with fiscal adjustment remains a priority.

International & MENA 

Economy shows resilience amid pandemic, growth outlook looks solid

Resilient in 2020; gradual recovery in 2021

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Current account surplus remained large in 3Q20 helped by oil exports and investment income

US economic recovery underway, supported by stimulus and vaccine rollout

GDP recovers slightly in third quarter of 2020 as Covid-19 restrictions eased

International & MENA 

Economic recovery hopes – and inflation worries – trigger a sharp rise in bond yields

International & MENA 

OPEC+ supply restraint decision sends oil prices towards $70

International & MENA 

Economic recovery remains on track despite renewed rise in virus cases

Kuwait’s trade rebounded in 3Q20 driven by higher oil prices

Kuwait: Population falls to below 4.7 million as expatriate numbers drop

International & MENA 

Faster global economic recovery expected but virus path still a risk

Kuwait: Inflation edges up in 2020, with higher food costs the main contributor

Kuwait: Credit growth at 3.5% in 2020 following a weak Q4

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Oil prices range-bound as demand concerns resurface

Kuwait: Fiscal deficit widened in the first 9M of FY20/21 on rising spending

Kuwait project awards weaker in 4Q20, but may show modest recovery in 2021

International & MENA 

Vaccine rollout and oil price recovery offer hope after tough year for Kuwaiti economy

Mixed macroeconomic data points to strong business activity despite ongoing labor market weakness

International & MENA 

Vaccine rollout and Biden stimulus plan offer hope amid growth concerns

International & MENA 

Global equities end year on a strong note, aided by stimulus and vaccine optimism

Oil prices surge after Saudi production cut decision

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Current account surplus narrows further in 2Q20 on oil price plunge

Pace of economic recovery moderates on virus surge and new restrictions

Kuwait: Fiscal deficit at KD1.9 billion in 1H FY20/21 mainly on weak oil revenues

International & MENA 

Vaccine progress and stimulus hopes fuel economic optimism, stock market surge

International & MENA 

Kuwait: The official budget for FY2020/21 projects a deficit of KD14.1 billion

Kuwait: Consumer spending outlook contingent on labor market recovery

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Relatively good economic performance during difficult times bodes well for the outlook

Kuwait: Current account surplus narrowed to near three-year low in 1Q20

Kuwait: Fiscal deficit in Q1 FY20/21 was smaller than expected, but set to rise

International & MENA 

US treasury yields rise in 3Q20 amid improved economic data and stimulus expectations

Kuwait: Household credit drives growth in Q3

Resurgent virus sparks economy worries, before markets rally on vaccine news

Kuwait: Inflation picks up in Q3 on rebounding consumer demand and supply-side disruptions

International & MENA 

US GDP growth rebounds sharply in 3Q20 following the easing of coronavirus containment measures

Pandemic and low oil prices leave the region with tough policy choices

Kuwait’s trade surplus narrowed on low oil exports in 1H20

Oil hit by resurgent coronavirus; pressure increases on OPEC+ to delay easing cuts

International & MENA

Kuwait: Real estate sales rebound in the third quarter following the lifting of restrictions

Kuwait: Project awards pick up in 3Q as lockdown measures ease

Economic activity recovers in Q3, but low oil prices and fresh global virus spread weigh on recovery

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Virus ‘second wave’ casts doubt on global economic recovery, as US election nears

Global equities rally extends into 3Q20 on stimulus, vaccine and recovery hopes

International & MENA 

Kuwait

International & MENA 

Saudi Arabia

Economic boost from restriction-lifting may be fading, pointing to slower recovery ahead

International & MENA 

Oil prices under pressure over oil demand worries due to spiking Covid-19 infections

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

International & MENA

Recovery and vaccine hopes fuel equity rally; Fed switches inflation target

Global yields show signs of stability on improving economic data, recovery optimism

International & MENA 

US GDP sees record drop in 2Q20, though surveys point to Q3 rebound

UAE: COVID-19 fallout weighs heavily on tourism activity

International & MENA 

Kuwait’s budget deficit widened in FY19/20 on lower oil prices

Oil prices look for traction amid persistent coronavirus-weakened economic activity   

Kuwait: Consumer sector showcases some resilience as mobility restrictions ease

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Inflation eases in Q2, expected to remain soft on weak economic conditions

Kuwait: Second quarter real estate sales at historical lows on coronavirus woes

Kuwait: Credit growth at 3.8% y/y by the end of 2Q2020

International & MENA 

Slump in Q2 GDP figures highlights pandemic fallout

Kuwait: GDP contracts in 1Q20 as activity weakens partly due to coronavirus measures

Kuwait: Project awards decline in 2Q amid government lockdown

International & MENA 

Oil prices rangebound in July as virus persistence clouds outlook

Macroeconomic data continues to improve, but resurgent trade and coronavirus risks may weigh

Global equities rallied in 2Q20 on massive central bank stimulus

International & MENA

Growth remains solid; the pandemic clouds the outlook

Economy recovering but downside risks stemming from lackluster demand persist

Oil price rally in Q2 and lockdown easing see economic conditions improve

International & MENA 

Economic recovery hopes tempered by renewed virus concerns

Kuwait: Current account surplus in 2019 reaches highest level since 2014

International & MENA

GCC Banks: Solid buffers to weather the storm

International & MENA

Signs of improvement in data as economy reopens, but virus risks continue to weigh

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Coronavirus expected to impact commercial and investment sectors in 2Q20

Kuwait: Inflation edges up in Q1, should soften on weaker economic conditions

Activity shows tentative signs of revival as lockdown measures start to ease

1Q20 sees sharp contraction in GDP amid virus lockdown, while unemployment surges

Economic recovery post-lockdown weighed down by slump in global demand

Kuwait: Consumer sector to sputter as Covid-19 crisis weighs on spending, jobs

Growth outlook hit, fiscal deficit to widen as virus-related lockdowns cause huge disruption

Oil prices rally on signs of recovering oil demand and OPEC+ supply reductions

Virus uncertainty and bleak economic outlook weighs down on bond yields

Kuwait: Credit growth stable at 4.4% y/y by the end of 1Q2020

Twin challenge of Covid-19 and plunging oil prices to hit Kuwaiti growth this year

Economic impact of Covid-19 on Kuwait (presentation)

Major economies see activity plunge as lockdown measures take their toll

Fed cuts rates and oil prices plunge as virus spreads and OPEC+ pact crumbles

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Notable improvement on the Ease of Doing Business—more is needed for FDI

Divergence of GCC and global yields in 4Q19 while regional issuance moderated

Oil markets roiled by coronavirus as global oil demand projections slashed

GDP growth steady in 4Q19, but coronavirus concerns weigh down on outlook

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Budget deficit at KD2.3bn in 10M FY19/20 as oil prices fall

Kuwait: Consumer spending likely to maintain positive momentum in 2020

Kuwait: Credit growth at 4.3% in 2019

International & MENA 

Coronavirus worries hit financial markets and Chinese growth prospects

Kuwait: Non-oil activity accelerates in Q3 but overall growth slows due to oil cuts

International & MENA 

Draft FY20/21 budget leaves spending on hold; consumer spending growth accelerated in Q4

Saudi Arabia: Promising outlook guided by Vision 2030

Kuwait: Project awards slow-down in 4Q19, may show modest recovery in 2020

International & MENA 

Unemployment steady at record lows, but manufacturing activity remains weak

Global equities rallied in 4Q19 on Fed support and easing trade tensions

Oil prices soften as markets refocus on fundamentals after Iran-US standoff 

International & MENA 

Economy sees signs of stabilization as stimulative measures take effect

International & MENA 

Further rise in geopolitical tensions could set back markets after strong end to 2019

International & MENA 

Fed policy expected to remain neutral amid signs of strength in economic data

International & MENA 

Oil sector to underpin economic growth pick-up in 2020-22

International & MENA 

The economy remains resilient despite global economic headwinds

Structural reforms needed to underpin the favorable macro outlook

Pessimism on growth outlook recedes despite US-China trade deal uncertainty

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Real estate sales moderate in October from a solid third quarter

Lebanon: Is there a Way out of the Economic Doldrums?

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Rising current spending leads to budget deficit in 7M FY19/20

GDP growth eased slightly in Q3, but no further Fed rate cuts foreseen in 2019 

International & MENA 

Saudi Arabia: Saudization and the private sector employment challenge

Global bond yields fell in 3Q amid growth concerns; GCC issuance remained solid

Kuwait: Credit growth slowed to 4.2% y/y by the end of September

Kuwait: Inflation rises in 3Q19, but housing rents remain soft

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Oil rally stalls on reemergence of global growth concerns amid rising oil stocks 

International & MENA 

Fed cuts rates again, while UK faces crucial election to resolve Brexit

Stable outlook despite global and regional risks

International & MENA 

Global equity markets moderate amid softer data and ongoing trade tensions

Manufacturing activity contracts and retail sales disappoint despite very low unemployment

International & MENA 

Oil prices soften in Q3 on global worries; Kuwait moves up global competitiveness ranking

International & MENA 

Central banks cut rates as manufacturing gloom deepens

International & MENA 

Oil prices down as global economic growth concerns intensify

Saudi non-oil growth accelerates in the second quarter of the year

Kuwait: Population growth moderates in 1H19; expats employment softens further

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Fed cuts rates but core inflation hits 13-month high amid good consumer sentiment

International & MENA 

Consumer spending growth seen steady in 2H19

International & MENA 

Trade war escalation and growth concerns lead to volatile markets

Oil extends losses on trade and global economy concerns

Kuwait: Project awards relatively weak in 2Q19 but rise sharply in 3Q19

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

Q2 GDP growth slows, rate cut expectations grow as markets turn bearish

Kuwait: Real estate sales rise modestly in 2Q19, with price trends mostly positive

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Credit growth edges lower in 2Q19; CBK leaves policy on hold

GCC debt issuance at record high in 2Q19, benchmark yields continue to fall

International & MENA 

Oil prices battered by concerns over weakening global economic growth

Escalation in US-China trade war puts further rate cuts back on the agenda

Kuwait’s current account surplus increases in 1Q19 on higher investment income

International & MENA 

Markets continue to be bullish on hopes of rate cuts, but trade and geopolitics weigh

International & MENA 

GDP growth picks up in 1Q19; domestic credit continued its gradual recovery

International & MENA 

Uncertain global outlook may weigh on the region

Oil caught between geopolitics and global growth concerns as OPEC+ extends accord

Growing uncertainty amid mixed data, chances of rate cut rise, markets rally

Equities rebound as key central banks mull looser policy

Growth hinges on economic reform

International & MENA 

Economy improving as government advances development agenda

Egyptian economy on the right path

International & MENA 

Non-oil economy to remain supportive of  growth

Non-oil activity improving amid record public spending

Steady economic performance; reforms should improve the outlook

International & MENA 

International & MENA 

International & MENA

Oil prices fall on worries over global trade tensions

Financial markets under pressure in May on fresh concerns over trade

Recent data suggests mild slowdown in US economy; chances of rate cut rise

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Real estate sales moderate in 1Q19 on softer investment sector

Egyptian pound strengthens against USD, trading at its highest in two years

Kuwait’s current account surplus rises in 2018 on higher oil prices

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Inflation rose in 1Q19, but expected to remain low in 2019

GCC debt issuance strong in 1Q19, while global benchmark yields slide

International & MENA 

Consumer spending growth to pick up in 2Q19 after moderating in 1Q19

Stronger Q1 data boosts optimism on global growth outlook

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Credit growth pace picked up in 1Q19

Oil prices gain as US cancels Iran sanctions waivers

1Q19 GDP growth beats expectations; unemployment at 49-year low

International & MENA 

Project awards were low in 2018, but will likely improve in 2019

International & MENA 

Oil prices rally to above $70; Kuwait’s non-oil growth reached 2% in 4Q18

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Kuwaiti population growth steady; employment in solid recovery

International & MENA 

Global bond yields drop on growth concerns and prospect of looser policy

International & MENA 

Tightening supplies propel oil prices to best quarterly performance since 2009 

International & MENA 

Oil output drops amid OPEC cuts; budget could end FY18/19 in broad balance

International & MENA 

GDP growth slowed in Q4, while Fed rate hike prospects have faded

International & MENA 

Central banks hint at policy shift amid weaker growth signals

International & MENA 

Business activity increasing, but credit growth remains subdued; fiscal deficit halves in 2018

Oil prices on the up as tighter market fundamentals stoke bullish sentiment 

Inflation remained low in 4Q18, despite modest pick-up in December

International & MENA 

Markets continued to rally in February; slim chance of Fed rate hike in 2019

Kuwait: Credit growth rebounded to 4.3% in 2018

International & MENA 

Oil prices rebound in January; draft budget for FY19/20 signals fiscal expansion

Global markets recover as Fed signals policy shift

International & MENA 

Kuwait : Real estate sales reach KD1 billion in Q4, the strongest in four years

International & MENA 

Higher oil production boosted GDP growth in 3Q18, amid softer non-oil growth

International & MENA 

Markets rally in January amid easing trade tensions and less hawkish Fed

International & MENA 

Economic growth supported by expansive government investment spending

Global markets pummeled by growth uncertainty and policy tightening

International & MENA 

Economic recovery to gain traction as oil and non-oil sector output expands

International & MENA 

Non-oil growth seen at 3% in 2019, and fiscal position remains manageable

Growth rising as non-oil activity gains momentum

Fed hikes rates for ninth time; equities see sharp correction

Economic growth improving amid record government spending

International & MENA 

Infrastructure investments drive growth amid an improving fiscal picture

International & MENA 

Diversification efforts to proceed; public finances should improve

Crude output to be cut amid oil price softness; credit growth edges higher

International & MENA 

Kuwait: Credit growth improves in Q3, corporate borrowing is firming up 

International & MENA 

Global growth concerns weigh on markets; Fed to hike rates in December

3Q18 GDP growth moderates, wage growth reaches nine-year high

Economic reform early success is remarkable; key challenges remain

International & MENA 

Oil price drop could trigger output cuts; CBK new regulations to boost lending

International & MENA 

Oil prices down on receding supply shortage fears, weaker demand outlook

Global markets suffer October sell-off; US growth remains strong in Q3

Equity markets rally after US mid-terms; Brent crude falls to $70 weighed by oversupply concerns

Kuwait: Third quarter real estate sales maintain positive momentum

Mixed data but overall softer, with growth slower than expected in 3Q18

Bahrain: GCC pledges $10bn in financial support as kingdom unveils fiscal reforms

Global stocks end dismal October on a high note; crude prices drop as US softens Iran sanctions position

Kuwait: Higher oil prices to leave budget close to balance this year

US growth remained buoyant in Q3; ECB to wind down QE program by end-year

US markets outperform in Q3, EM concerns worsen while FTSE upgrades Kuwait

Unemployment rate at 49-year low, fourth rate hike expected in December

Kuwait: Project awards were soft in 3Q18, but expected to pick-up in coming quarters

US rate outlook, European politics weigh on markets; Gulf economies improve competitiveness rankings

Oil sector boosted by rising prices and production; CBK maintains key lending rate

Optimism and employment growth continue to support consumer spending

Equities fall as investors digest prospect of higher interest rates; Brent crude dips to $80

Fed hikes rates amid robust economic data; Eurozone export sector weakens

Egypt Faces higher borrowing costs amid emerging market pressures

Strong US data triggers bond market sell-off; Brent crude hits near four-year high of $86

Fed hikes rates for eighth time in three years; Brent crude surges past $80 mark

Oil price and production forecasts revised up; credit growth rose in July

Business activity at 2018-high in August; fiscal deficit narrows on higher oil and non-oil revenues   

Stocks rally on relief over trade war measures; Brent crude climbs above $80 as Trump calls for OPEC action

Strong growth points to two further Fed rate hikes in 2018

Kuwait: Consumer spending slows in August, weighed by seasonal factors

Turkey and Argentina: far apart and yet so close

US to proceed with China tariffs; Turkey raises rates to 24%; oil prices firm up on Iran supply concerns

Trade war concerns persist; emerging market currencies see large sell-off

US threatens further China tariffs; pressures on emerging market currencies are slightly lower

Trade frictions continue to dominate the agenda; EM currencies see further turbulence

US-China trade dispute: China’s options and potential impact on the GCC region

Kuwait: Summer lull weighs on consumer spending in July

Inflation eased further to just 0.5% at the end of Q2

Powell reaffirms Fed’s gradual approach to rate hikes; crude prices surge on US inventory draw

Kuwait: Credit growth soft in Q2, but picked up in June

15-8-2018: Current account surplus highest in three years thanks to stronger oil prices

Plunge in Turkish lira triggers flows into US dollar; oil prices edge down on trade war concerns

US growth powers ahead, but trade war with China intensifies

Oil production starts to climb; budget deficit narrowed to 9% of GDP last year

Fed leaves rates on hold but seen hiking next month; crude prices ease as OPEC production rises

Kuwait: Second quarter real estate sales highest in three years

US and EU strike a deal to reduce trade tensions, while US growth accelerates to a vigorous 4.1% in Q2

GCC markets outperform global peers, while  trade tensions invite caution

Growth recovers led by oil sector rebound

Economic recovery to gain traction as oil and non-oil sector output expands

Regional outlook improving amid higher oil prices and government stimulus

Trade war looms closer; Global growth prospects are lower; oil price fluctuates on uncertain production

Kuwait: Consumer spending rebounds in June, resuming its healthy expansion

Tightening global financial conditions amid trade tensions accelerated capital outflows from emerging markets

Growth outlook solid as government pushes on with reforms

US may expand tariffs on Chinese goods; GCC economic activity still soft; oil down on bearish supply

Non-oil growth seen steady this year, as higher oil prices boost fiscal position

OPEC+ agrees to increase oil output to resupply tighter markets

US imposes tariffs on Chinese goods; GCC non-oil activity recovering; Brent settles lower at $77

Growth to accelerate in 2018 as non-oil activity recovers and oil output increases

Rise in US inflation provides support for rate hike prospects; Brent crude rallies close to $80

Growth to pick up, but finances remain vulnerable

Oil output seen rising on OPEC policy shift; CBK leaves lending rate on hold

EU fires latest shot in trade war with US; oil prices rise despite deal by OPEC+ to boost output

Economy remains supported by resilience in non-oil growth

Kuwait: Consumer spending softens in May but remains strong

Trade tensions and political crises in Europe present risks to global growth

Kuwait: First quarter real estate sales were strong, supported by high volumes

G7 discord ratchets up fears over global trade outlook; Fed rate hike almost certain this week

Oil price rise boosts fiscal position; credit growth remains modest in March

Higher oil prices positive for Saudi economy but non-oil activity yet to fully rebound 

Kuwait: Credit growth was soft in 1Q18, up 1.9% y/y in March

Strong US labor market and easing tensions in Italy lift markets, but trade war concerns intensify

USA: Mixed data and renewed trade tensions weigh on Fed outlook

Political instability weighs on the euro; oil prices dip on prospect of output increase by OPEC and Russia

GCC debt issuance weak in 1Q18; central banks hike rates

Coalition deal rattles Italian financial markets; Brent crude briefly breaks through the $80 mark

Global growth outlook positive despite softer data in US and Europe

Oil prices lifted by US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal; Egypt could see interest rate cut this week

1Q18 GDP growth faltered but other data is mixed

Projects eased in 1Q18 on delays; a softer 2018 is anticipated

Fed leaves rates on hold while Eurozone growth disappoints; oil prices stay close to $75

Oil prices near 3½-year highs on raised geopolitical concerns and tighter supplies

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

GCC: Gulf outperforms in 1Q18 while developed markets dip amid fresh volatility

USA: Solid data keeps Fed on track for at least two more hikes in 2018

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait Economic Brief

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Eurozone: Growth still solid, but data shows signs of softening

UAE: Dubai Expo 2020-related infrastructure spending and tourism sector supporting non-oil economy

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Global economy remains on firm footing despite risk of protectionism in the US

Consumer sector fuels robust US economy; Saudi equity market upgrade could trigger capital inflows

USA: Robust fundamentals saw Fed hike rates in March

UAE: Banking sector could become more supportive of growth this year

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait Economic Brief

Saudi Arabia: Non-oil activity improving amid record public spending, but credit growth still weak    

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Market volatility has risen as tighter monetary conditions loom

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait: Value of contracts declined in 2017; sectors performance varied

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait: Real estate sales were strong in January, boosted by investment sector

Kuwait: Credit finishes 2017 at 3.2%; real estate sales were strong in January

Kuwait: Current account surplus improves in 3Q17 as oil price recovers

Kuwait: Credit growth slowed to 3.2% in Dec.; money supply growth rose

Oil prices slip on expectations of surging US shale growth in 2018 

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait Economic Brief

Global growth is upgraded to 3.9%; US inflation is on the rise

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Stronger economy unlikely to lead to a rapid rise in property prices

Kuwait: Real estate activity rose in 2017, though sectoral growth was uneven

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait: Deficit could narrow to 9% of GDP in 17/18; inflation slows to 1.1%

Eurozone: Robust data; momentum expected to carry into 2018

GCC issued record $50 billion in international sovereign debt last year

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Kuwait: November inflation inches up to 1.5%, spurred by retail activity

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Saudi Arabia unveils largest ever budget to stimulate non-oil economy in 2018

USA: Economy closed 2017 in good shape, as even inflation ended strong

Global economy kicks off 2018 in strong form, though risks remain

Kuwait: Credit growth slowed to 4.3% in November on corporate repayments

Kuwait: Real estate sales eased in Nov. but maintain improving trend

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Bahrain: Non-oil growth supported by elevated project spending

UAE: Non-oil economy set for solid growth in 2018 helped by construction and tourism sectors

Kuwait Economic Brief

Market optimism extends into 2018 as oil prices trade at three-year highs

Kuwait: Consumer sector on the mend on stronger confidence and spending

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Qatar: Non-oil growth to slip further as diplomatic row persists

GCC: Geopolitics weighed on GCC equities in 2017; Kuwait outperformed

MENA Economic Outlook

Kuwait: Credit was on the weaker side in October, with growth at 4.6% y/y

UAE: Non-oil growth to be fastest in the Gulf region in 2018, at 3.7%

Oman: Rising gas output to boost GDP, but fiscal position still a concern

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

Egypt: Economy continues to recover as reforms boost sentiment and exports

Weekly Economic and Markets Review

International: Tax cuts could boost US growth; Brexit deal marks progress