Middle East
Emerging Markets | 22 Jun 17
Saudi closes in on emerging market status as royals reshuffle
Saudi Arabia has taken a big step towards being classified as an emerging market after the MSCI added the Gulf state to its watchlist for potential upgrade on Tuesday, with the Saudi royal family making an unprecedented succession change a day later.
Macro Views | 16 Jun 17
Gulf nations push up interest rates after Fed move
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan have raised interest rates in line with this week’s decision by the US central bank to hike its Federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%.
Investment | 15 Jun 17
Saudi asset manager combines Shariah and ethical strategies
Sedco Capital, one of the largest asset managers in Saudi Arabia, has launched an investment strategy that integrates the firm’s Shariah-compliant investment approach with ethical investing.
Middle East | 15 Jun 17
Bahrain to lure fintech startups with regulatory sandbox
The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is to create a regulatory sandbox so that startups and fintech firms can test their ideas and solutions and strengthen the Gulf state’s position as a regional fintech and financial services hub.
Middle East | 14 Jun 17
Qatar blockade to hit UAE expat businesses
The move by the UAE to join other Gulf nations in cutting ties with Qatar affects travel by expatriate residents between both states and even extends to comments made by individuals on social media.