Economic updates
Our in-depth, independent reports cover the macroeconomic environment, the Saudi government’s annual budget, and Saudi Arabia’s monetary and financial developments, labor market, and inflation.
Saudi Economy Adjusting to Structural Change
Macroeconomic reportWe have revised our forecast for the Saudi economy and we now expect to see growth of 2.2 percent in 2018 (compared to -0.9 percent in 2017). The sizable rebound in growth will be partly driven by an improvement in the oil sector. As Saudi Arabia raises oil output, this will positively affect oil sector GDP, lifting it to 3.2 percent in 2018, compared to a decline of 3.0 percent in 2017.
Tourism and Entertainment – April 2018
With its varied geography and young population, Saudi Arabia shows huge potential for tourism and entertainment in the region. Vision 2030 has emphasized economic diversification, and tourism is seen to be a vital aspect in achieving that goal.
Update on The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)
In the last few months we have seen a number of positive developments that have lifted investor sentiment in the Kingdom and led to an improvement in the performance of the Saudi stock market. In fact, the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) has risen by around 8 percent since the beginning of 2018 and is currently trading at levels last seen back in August 2015.
The Saudi Economy in 2018
Macroeconomic reportWe expect an improvement in the Saudi economy in the year ahead, supported by both the oil and non-oil sector. Oil sector GDP is expected to improve, in part, due to rises in oil production as OPEC and non-OPEC countries gradually exit from cuts at some point during the year. Growth in the non-oil sector is forecasted to improve as an expansionary budget, with a specific set of stimulus packages, lifts activity.
