World Bank-Global Economic Prospects 2018: Middle East & North Africa
					
January 9, 2018--Recent developments: Growth in the Middle East and North Africa is estimated to have slowed sharply to 1.8 percent in 2017 from 5 percent the year before. The slowdown in growth among oil exporters, driven by oil production cuts and continued geopolitical tensions, has more than offset a pickup among oil-importing economies. Fiscal adjustments also held back growth among both oil-importing and oil-exporting economies in the region.
Growth among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) slowed, reflecting lower oil output. Growth in Saudi Arabia fell to 0.3 percent in 2017 from 1.7 last year amid oil production cuts and fiscal consolidation, and the United Arab Emirates eased to 1.4 percent. The diplomatic rift between Qatar and neighboring economies is estimated to have weighed somewhat on Qatar's economy, but the impact on neighboring economies has been limited. After an exceptionaly high growth rate in 2016 due to lifting of sanctions, growth in the Islamic Republic of Iran moderated in 2017, contributing sizably to the moderation in regional growth.
Source: World Bank
QE Index Rises and Exceeds 9000 Points
					
January 9, 2018--The Qatar Stock Exchange Index (QE Index) today exceeded 9000 points gaining 26.64 points to reach 9,002.46 points and rising 5.62 percent since the beginning of January 2018.
Qataris accounted for half of investors' net buying today with 50.4% of the buy transactions and foreign investors accounted nearly around the other half with 49.6% of the buy transactions.
Source: Qatar Stock Exchange
 MIDEAST STOCKS-Oil prices, technicals may support Gulf markets
					
January 4, 2018--Most Gulf markets may keep a firm tone on Thursday after oil prices shot up and the three main Wall Street stock indexes hit record closes overnight. 
Source: Zawya.com
Oil prices near levels last seen in 2014/2015 as market tightens
					
January 4, 2017--Brent crude futures were at $67.82 a barrel, down 2 cents
 Oil prices on Thursday remained near levels last seen in late 2014/2015, with markets tightening amid tensions in Iran and due to ongoing OPEC-led production cuts. 
Source: Zawya.com
Saudi Arabia and UAE introduce 5% VAT in bid to narrow deficits
					
January 4, 2018--Pivotal measure taken to end tax-free living as Gulf allies seek to boost non-oil income.
Source: FT.com
MIDEAST STOCKS-Builders boost Dubai, Saudi edges up in early trade
					
December 28, 2017--Gulf stock markets were generally sluggish in early trade on Thursday although Saudi Arabia edged up and Dubai was boosted by strength in construction stocks. 
The Dubai index added 0.6 percent as Drake & Scull, the most heavily traded stock,
, surged 4.1 percent to 2.29 dirhams, which would be its highest close since April 2016.
Source: Zawya.com
MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi, Egypt outperform in weak region
					
December 26, 2017--Saudi Arabia's stock market rose in a mostly weak Gulf region on Tuesday after data showed deflationary pressure on the economy easing, while Egypt also gained but trading volume remained very low because of the end-of-year holiday period. 
Source: Zawya.com
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) Launches for the first time Series of Long dated TA-35 Index Derivatives
					
December 24, 2017--TASE Expects This Measure to Provide a Solution to an Existing Market Need
The board of directors of TASE's Maof Clearing House has approved the launch of series of long dated TA-35 Index derivatives.
Following talks held with TASE members and market players, TASE believes that the launch of long dated derivatives will contribute to enhancing liquidity and will provide a solution to a real existing need for the various market players.
The long dated TA-35 Index derivatives will be for 15 months.
Source: TASE
MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi flat early on, cement shares lose ground
					
December 19, 2017--Najran Cement gained 0.9% as Northern Region cement slipped 1.0%
Saudi Arabia's stock marke I was flat in early trade on Tuesday as some cement shares, which had surged in recent days on hopes that the 2018 state budget would boost infrastructure spending, lost ground. 
Source: Zawya.com