Middle East
As Egypt Woos Emerging Market Investors, Analysts Insist on Urgency of Further Reforms
A much-oversubscribed sovereign bond issued by the Republic of Egypt earlier this year reinforced a sense of optimism among emerging market investors about one of the region’s most promising economies, but analysts caution that the sustainability of the country’s improving macro, growth and investment outlook fundamentally hinges on deeper empowerment of the private sector and removal of the…
19 Apr 2019
China-US Tensions, War with Iran Dominate Medium-Term GCC Risk Landscape
Despite a positive macro outlook, a blend of rapidly rising regional tensions and an evolving trade dispute between China and the US will weigh more heavily than previously thought on the GCC’s economic prospects in the medium term, argues Dr. Nasser Saidi, Founder and President of Nasser Saidi & Associates and Lebanon’s former Minister of Economy.
4 Apr 2019
GCC Issuance Set to Dominate Sukuk Market for Coming Years
Since Saudi Arabia’s debut sovereign sukuk issuance in 2017, the size of global sukuk markets has exploded. But primary market activity has been dominated by sovereign issuance, with corporates continuing to make up only a small share of the pipeline. Whether this trend will continue remains unclear, and raises serious questions about the long-term potential of the asset class.
1 Apr 2019
Eurasia Group: US-China Spat Could Weigh on GCC
Strategically positioned between the US and Asia, the GCC relies heavily on governments and markets in both regions for policy support, investment, and commodities demand. As China and the US double down on opposing trade positions in their pursuit of global economic hegemony, the GCC risks getting caught in the crossfire, according to Ayham Kamel, Practice Head for MENA at Eurasia Group.
27 Mar 2019
Boosting the Capital Corridor Between Asia and the Middle East
Whether in terms of trade, commerce, or cultural linkages, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states have become increasingly diverse in their international ties over the past decade – with those linking the region to Asia emerging as one of the most critical corridors of economic activity. But how can GCC borrowers capitalise on emerging funding opportunities brought about by these deepening…
21 Mar 2019
The Growth of Sustainable Finance in MENA
The global green bond market has over the past five years grown from virtually nothing into a broad sustainability-linked fixed income asset class, paying financial dividends while tackling some of the world’s most pressing climate and sustainability-related challenges. As Middle Eastern governments redouble their efforts to diversify their energy sectors and wider economies, will 2019 be the…
14 Mar 2019
CASE STUDY: Al Dur Power & Water Company Secures USD1.34bn Refinancing Despites Headwinds
Following Al Dur Power & Water Company’s (Al Dur) debut project financing transaction in 2009, the project company returned to the financial markets last year to refinance its outstanding debt. Navigating difficult macroeconomic conditions, alongside broader EM volatility, Al Dur secured a complex USD1.3bn refinancing package from an assortment of national and international lenders.
26 Feb 2019
Brown Brothers Harriman: Emerging Markets Preview for the Week Ahead
EM ended the week firm on rising optimism regarding US-China trade. Talks will continue this week ahead of Friday’s deadline. It may be too soon to strike a deal, however, and so we expect a 60-day extension. China provides the first snapshot of February activity with its PMI readings this week, where some stability is seen after recent stimulus measures. Downside risks remain in place, however.
25 Feb 2019
Brown Brothers Harriman: Emerging Markets Preview for the Week Ahead
EM FX ended the week mixed but gave up much of their post-FOMC gains as the week progressed. MYR, PHP, and MXN were the best EM performers for the week and posted small gains. ZAR, BRL, and ARS were the worst in EM, dropping nearly 2% against USD. US-China trade talks and Chinese data are likely to set the tone for EM this week. Reports that the US government may shut down again should weigh on…
11 Feb 2019
Uncertain Global Outlook Highlights GCC Debt Opportunity
As investors around the world brace for continued uncertainty in 2019 that will test the steeliest of nerves, the outlook for debt markets in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region is a much brighter one, with the potential for strong risk adjusted returns.
7 Feb 2019