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IMF-The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa
September 15, 2016--Summary: In recent decades, the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) has experienced more frequent and severe conflicts than in any other region of the world, exacting a devastating human toll. The region now faces unprecedented challenges, including the emergence of violent non-state actors, significant destruction, and a refugee crisis bigger than any since World War II.
This paper raises awareness of the economic costs of conflicts on the countries directly involved and on their neighbors. It argues that appropriate macroeconomic policies can help mitigate the impact of conflicts in the short term, and that fostering higher and more inclusive growth can help address some of the root causes of conflicts over the long term. The paper also highlights the crucial role of external partners, including the IMF, in helping MENA countries tackle these challenges.
Saudi Economic growth to remain subdued in 2017-18
September 14, 2016--Saudi economy expected to contract by 0.3 per cent in 2016.
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Gulf-listed firms' earnings fall 8% in first 6 months
September 13, 2016--The earnings of Gulf-listed firms dropped eight percent in the first half of 2016 due to low oil prices and a lack of liquidity, a report said Sunday.
Net profits of over 650 firms on the region's bourses reached $32.8 billion in the six months against $35.6 billion for the same period of 2015, said Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz.
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Gulf mixed in early trade, Saudi's Emaar climbs
September 7, 2016--Stock markets in the Gulf were mixed in quiet early trade on Wednesday as some investors stayed away from the bourses ahead of market closures next week for Eid al-Adha holidays.
Riyadh's main index was down 0.2 percent in the first hour.
BlueStar Israel Equity Update August/September 2016
September 7, 2016--ISRAELI ECONOMIES FIRING IN ALL CYLINDERS
Israeli Global Equities, as measured by BIGI(R), rose 1.25% in August after rising more than 5% in July.
Israeli Global Technology Equities, as measured by our TA-BIGITech(R) benchmark, outperformed the broader Israeli equity market for the third consecutive month, rising 1.65%. BlueStar's Israel equity indexes outperformed other leading Israeli equity benchmarks and other developed markets in August.
Islamic finance growth contraction in GCC to continue
September 6, 2016--Economic policy reforms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region at the outset of falling oil prices will not offer much help to the Islamic finance industry in the short term, according to a new report.
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Gulf may rise on Saudi-Russia oil deal but upside limited
September 6, 2016--Gulf stock markets may rise on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia and Russia said they would cooperate to support oil prices, but any gains look likely to be minor because of scepticism about the deal.
Brent crude futures jumped almost 5 percent late on Monday afternoon before a news conference at which the two countries announced...
Gulf may have firm tone, supported by global markets
September 4, 2016--Stock markets in the Gulf may have a firm tone on Sunday after oil prices and global markets rose on Friday, though there are few positive factors within the region to push up shares.
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Slow and steady start for Nasdaq Dubai futures
September 2, 2016--Cautious traders opted to wait before taking positions on a new product.
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Gulf shares set to end week on soft note
September 1, 1016--Stock markets in the Gulf look set to end the week mostly lower on Thursday as global bourses fell and oil prices dropped further overnight.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan is down 0.5 percent, while Brent oil futures, which traded as high $50.76 a week ago, are down about 7 percent...