SYDNEY/SINGAPORE: Oil prices fell on Tuesday as signs of a spreading global economic slowdown stoked concerns over future fuel demand.
International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.26 per barrel at 0410 GMT, down 48 cents, or 0.8 percent, from their previous close.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $53.44 per barrel, down 0.7 percent, or 36 cents.
China on Monday reported its lowest economic growth figure since 1990, with GDP rising by 6.6 percent in 2018.
“Slowing manufacturing activity in China is likely weighing on demand,” said Singapore-based tanker brokerage Eastport on Tuesday, adding that industrial slowdowns tended to be leading indicators that only gradually fed into lower demand for shipped oil products.
In a sign of spreading economic weakness, South Korea’s export-oriented economy slowed to a six-year low growth rate of 2.7 percent in 2018, official data showed on Tuesday.
This followed the International Monetary Fund on Monday trimming its 2019 global growth forecasts to 3.5 percent, down from 3.7 percent in last October’s outlook.
“After two years of solid expansion, the world economy is growing more slowly than expected and risks are rising,” IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde told reporters.
Despite the darkening outlook, oil prices have been getting some support from supply cuts that started in late 2018 by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“The effects of OPEC-led cuts ... will undoubtedly place a price floor under crude oil,” said Singapore-based brokerage Phillip Futures on Tuesday.
Oil prices fall as economic growth worries spread
Oil prices fall as economic growth worries spread
- China on Monday reported its lowest economic growth figure since 1990, with GDP rising by 6.6 percent in 2018
- ‘The effects of OPEC-led cuts ... will undoubtedly place a price floor under crude oil’
Islamic banks’ market share in Turkiye rises to 9.2%: Fitch Ratings
RIYADH: Islamic banks in Turkiye lifted their asset market share to 9.2 percent in 2025 from 8.1 percent a year earlier, as financing and deposits outpaced the broader banking sector, a new analysis showed.
In its latest report, Fitch Ratings said financing and deposit market shares rose to 7.9 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively, by the end of 2025, compared with 7.3 percent and 9.4 percent in 2024.
The agency noted that new digital Islamic banks are emerging in the country, with investment from Gulf Cooperation Council countries expected to continue.
Turkiye’s strong ties with Islamic countries across the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East support the development of its Islamic banking sector, attracting investors and contributing to the industry’s growth.
In its latest report, Fitch stated: “Three recently established private Islamic banks (two digital) grew rapidly in the first nine months of 2025. Investment in digital participation banking from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries underscores the potential for further investment from the region.”
It added: “Planned establishment of new participation banks, and rapid growth of recently established banks – albeit from small bases – means that the segment landscape may be reshaped in 2026.”
Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC’s investment in digital bank TOM underscores the potential for further GCC investment.
Turkish regulators have approved the establishment of Halk Katilim Bankasi A.S. and Adil Katilim Bankasi A.S. (digital), while BIM Birlesik Magazalar A.S.’s application is pending.
Fitch added that state-owned participation banks may merge or pursue initial public offerings, potentially reshaping the banking landscape.
The report predicts Islamic banks’ market share will rise further in 2026, supported by strong internal capital generation and growth appetite. However, the non-performing financing ratio may increase moderately due to high inflows.
“The segment’s non-performing financings ratio deteriorated to 2 percent at end-2025 compared to 1.2 percent in 2024 but remained below the sector average of 2.5 percent,” said Fitch.
It added: “We expect pressure to persist given still-high financing rates, high but declining inflation, and the sensitivity of unsecured retail (lower share than conventional banks) and SME segments to economic cycles. We forecast a moderate increase in the segment NPF ratio in 2026.”
