Omani rial’s effective exchange rate index rises 2.7% in first half of 2024

Oman’s public revenue saw an annual decline of 2 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2024. Shutterstock
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Updated 01 September 2024
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Omani rial’s effective exchange rate index rises 2.7% in first half of 2024

  • Local liquidity in Oman reached 24 billion rials in the first half of the year
  • Growth in liquidity suggests vibrant and expanding economic activity, with more funds circulating within the economy

RIYADH: The Effective Exchange Rate Index of the Omani rial reached 118.4 points in the first half of 2024, up 2.7 percent compared to the same period last year, according to new data. 

The EER Index is a measure used to evaluate the value of a country’s currency relative to a basket of other currencies. It provides a broader view of performance compared to a single exchange rate. The index typically includes a weighted average of multiple rates, reflecting a country’s overall trade competitiveness in the global market.

Preliminary statistics issued by the National Center for Statistics and Information indicated that local liquidity in Oman reached 24 billion rials in the first half of the year, reflecting a 12 percent surge compared to the same period a year prior, the Oman News Agency reported. 

The growth in liquidity suggests vibrant and expanding economic activity, with more funds circulating within the economy.

This comes as Oman’s public revenue saw an annual decline of 2 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2024, reaching $16.1 billion, the country’s news agency disclosed in August. 

Oman’s economic landscape is heavily influenced by its reliance on oil and gas revenues, making it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. 

The government has been actively working to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons as part of its Vision 2040 plan. 

This strategic undertaking aims to foster economic diversification, encourage private sector growth, and enhance social welfare programs to ensure long-term resilience.

The NCSI data further revealed a 3.3 percent decrease in total issued currency, amounting to 1 billion rials by the end of June, compared to the same period the previous year.

Conversely, the narrow money supply, or M1—which includes total cash outside the banking system, as well as current accounts and demand deposits in local currency—increased by 16.3 percent during the same timeframe, reaching 6 billion rials compared to the same period in 2023.

Additionally, the Central Bank of Oman's total foreign assets rose by 6.2 percent in the first six months of the year, totaling 6 billion rials by the end of June 2024, up from the end of June 2023.

Total loans and financing at commercial banks and Islamic windows reached 31 billion rials by the end of June, reflecting a 3.8 percent increase compared to the same period a year ago.

Finally, the average interest rate on total loans rose to 5.581 percent by the end of June, marking a 2.7 percent increase from the corresponding period in 2023.


COP29: UN Secretary-General warns of ‘catastrophic’ climate consequences, calls for urgent collaboration

Updated 19 sec ago
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COP29: UN Secretary-General warns of ‘catastrophic’ climate consequences, calls for urgent collaboration

RIYADH: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the high stakes of climate inaction in a roundtable discussion held during the ongoing COP29 in Baku. 

At the High-Level Event on the stocktake of “Integrity Matters” at the gathering, global leaders convened to discuss the urgent need for climate action, reflecting on progress, challenges, and the role of non-state actors in achieving net-zero commitments. 

“We are racing the clock,” Guterres said, adding that with extreme weather events bringing “human tragedy and economic destruction worldwide,” the global goal of limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius is becoming progressively more challenging to reach.

Reflecting on the achievements so far, the secretary-general acknowledged the scale of efforts already made, saying: “We did a massive global effort to steer our world onto a pass-through safety, a pass to net zero by mid-century.” 

However, he underscored that these efforts will only bear fruit if supported by stronger collaboration across sectors. Guterres urged “businesses, financial institutions, cities, regions, and more” to align with national governments on climate action plans and make coordinated strides toward decarbonization. 

“We must make sure that governments facilitate the work of other actors in this regard, and not that they complicate the work of other actors in compliance with the 1.5 aligned future,” he said.

In a show of support for the gathered climate leaders and activists, Guterres said: “Time is racing, and you are on the right side of history, and I’m very glad to be here with you.” 

Yet he issued a reminder that while a low-carbon transition is inevitable, “doesn’t mean that it will come on time.” 

He stressed that if delays continue, the consequences for the planet could be catastrophic. 

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin also addressed the assembly, outlining his country’s continued dedication to combating global warming through policies targeting deforestation and renewable energy. 

“Brazil has a commitment to fighting climate change,” Alckmin said, adding that in the past two years, the country had achieved a significant 45.7 percent reduction in deforestation rates. 

He detailed Brazil’s efforts to shift toward greener fuels, with 15 percent of the nation’s diesel now comprising biodiesel, a fuel derived from plant oils. Alckmin highlighted that Brazil’s ethanol usage in gasoline, which currently stands at 27 percent, is set to increase to 35 percent in the near future. 
 
Additionally, the South American country is aiming to position itself as a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel, which could replace kerosene in the flight industry, as part of its broader commitment to green energy. “Brazil will be prepared to be a major producer of SAF ethanol,” he said.

Helena Vines Fiestas, chair of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance, provided an update on climate policies among the G20 countries, highlighting a surge in policies geared toward supporting non-state actors in their net-zero transitions. 

“All G20 countries now have policies, or some form of policies, to support the transition of non-state actors to net zero further. The number of policies has tripled since 2020,” she reported. 

Fiestas emphasized that while considerable work remains, the international community has demonstrated that net-zero regulation is feasible. “Progress is clear,” she said. “Work lies ahead, but the leaders have demonstrated that regulating on net zero is doable.”

Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Simon Stiell highlighted a new initiative aimed at strengthening transparency in environmental action. He announced that the UNFCCC’s Global Climate Action Portal is undergoing redevelopment to provide better accountability in tracking commitments. 

He shared that the portal would be relaunched shortly after COP29 concludes, and he emphasized the role of the entire global community in driving this agenda forward. 

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee addressed the concerns around recent political shifts in the US, asserting that state-level commitments to climate action would remain the same 

“I know there’s concern about the last election last Tuesday, but I want to make it really clear, if you take anything home from this meeting, this election will not stop, will not slow down, and will not retire the absolute commitment of states to lead this battle against climate change,” he affirmed. 

He added: “Donald Trump can do anything he wants, but he cannot stop me from committing to (tackling) climate change in my state.”

Catherine McKenna, chair of the UN High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Actors, emphasized the urgency of high-integrity net-zero plans in her latest report, titled “Integrity Matters: The Hard Work is Now,” presented during the session. 

“The leaders highlighted in this review show that high-integrity net zero can be achieved. It’s no longer credible for companies, investors, cities, and regions to claim that moving faster on the climate crisis is too difficult or expensive,” McKenna said. She further urged a “much broader range” of stakeholders to establish comprehensive transition plans by 2025.

McKenna’s report, commissioned by Guterres, underscored that while voluntary net-zero pledges have risen, there remains a significant gap in alignment with rigorous standards, particularly in the phasing out of fossil fuels. 

“Voluntary efforts are not sufficient for the scale and pace of change we need to see,” McKenna said, advocating for stronger governmental regulations to ensure credible climate commitments and promote competitive investments. 

She added: “Every fraction of a degree matters, and every tonne of CO2 makes a difference. We must do the hard work now, or we will all face the consequences tomorrow.”

Guterres closed with a reminder of the significant obstacles that remain on the path toward net-zero goals. “We need not only to do the right thing, but we need to fight those that are trying not to allow us to do the right thing,” he said. 
 


COP29: Saudi Arabia signs major green energy pact with Central Asian nations

Updated 27 min 47 sec ago
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COP29: Saudi Arabia signs major green energy pact with Central Asian nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has signed a joint executive program with Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to strengthen collaboration on renewable energy development and transmission. 

The deal was signed on the sidelines of the 29th UN Climate Summit in Baku by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and his counterparts from the three nations, according to a press statement. 

The initiative aims to foster a strategic partnership to assess regional power grid interconnection projects centered on renewable power.

Saudi Arabia, a leader in Middle Eastern clean energy, aims to meet 50 percent of its power needs from renewable sources by 2030.

“This signing is in implementation of bilateral memorandums of understanding previously signed between Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan in the energy sector on Jun 12, 2023, as well as two energy cooperation agreements with Azerbaijan on May 24, 2023, and with the Republic of Uzbekistan on Aug. 17, 2022,” noted the Ministry of Energy.

The ministry highlighted that this partnership will enhance energy infrastructure efficiency and promote integration of renewable energy into the national grids of the partner nations.

The program will also explore joint investment opportunities, laying groundwork for regional grid interconnection projects to support renewable electricity generation and storage. 

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev talking with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Saudi Ministry of Energy

ACWA Power, a major Saudi utility company, will oversee these renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. 

“The signatory parties also agreed to adopt a mechanism for exchanging information and expertise, which includes knowledge-sharing among experts and specialists, organizing specialized conferences and seminars, as well as holding joint working sessions to strengthen close cooperation among the countries,” the statement added. 

Also on the COP29 sidelines, ACWA Power signed agreements to bolster renewable initiatives, including a deal with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy to develop battery energy storage systems with a capacity of up to 2 gigawatts per hour. This initiative is aimed at enhancing grid stability. 

Additionally, ACWA Power entered into a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijani firm SOCAR and Masdar to develop up to 3.5 GW of offshore wind projects in the Caspian Sea — the first of its kind for Azerbaijan. 

Another deal struck on the sidelines of the summit saw Saudi Electricity Co. sign an MoU with network operators in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to develop regional interconnection projects. 

SEC also signed another MoU with AzerEnergy for cooperation in electricity transmission and integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid. 

During COP29, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan signed a comprehensive roadmap outlining a timeline and action plan for priority energy projects, facilitating cooperative efforts in various fields. 

“This roadmap aims to outline an action plan and establish a timeline for priority projects, facilitating procedures to achieve shared objectives,” said the Energy Ministry. 

It added: “The roadmap includes cooperation in several vital areas, such as renewable energy, carbon capture, utilization, and storage, clean hydrogen, energy efficiency, and enhancing the sustainability and resilience of supply chains, in addition to trade in refined and petrochemical products.” 


Saudi inflation holds steady at 1.9% despite global price pressures: GASTAT

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi inflation holds steady at 1.9% despite global price pressures: GASTAT

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate reached 1.9 percent in October compared to the same month last year, driven primarily by higher housing costs, official data showed.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, actual housing rents saw an annual increase of 11.6 percent, with apartment rents rising by 11.3 percent. 

Overall, expenses for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose by 9.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023. 

Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate remains among the lowest in the Middle East, highlighting the nation’s effective measures to stabilize the economy and mitigate global price pressures. 

A World Bank report last month noted Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience, projecting the Kingdom’s inflation rate to remain steady at 2.1 percent in 2024 and 2.3 percent in 2025, lower than the Gulf Cooperation Council average.

“The increase in this section (housing) had a significant impact on the continuation of the annual inflation pace for the month of October 2024 due to the weight formed by this section, which amounted to 25.5 percent,” stated GASTAT. 

The report also highlighted that prices for personal goods and services rose by 2.3 percent in October, led by a 24.1 percent rise in the costs of jewelry, watches, and precious antiques. 

Restaurant and hotel expenses saw a 1.9 percent annual increase, while education costs rose by 1.1 percent. Food and beverage prices saw a slight increase of 0.1 percent in October, driven by a 2.6 percent rise in vegetable prices. 

In contrast, prices for furnishings and home equipment fell by 3.1 percent year on year in October, while expenses for clothing and footwear declined by 2.7 percent. Transportation prices also dropped by 3.1 percent annually, influenced by a 4.2 percent decrease in vehicle purchase prices. 

Compared to September, Saudi Arabia’s Consumer Price Index experienced a modest 0.3 percent rise. 

“This monthly inflation index was influenced by a 0.8 percent rise in the section of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which in turn, was affected by a 1 percent increase in actual housing rents and prices,” added GASTAT. 

Prices for personal goods and services rose 0.4 percent month on month in October, while transportation expenses increased by 0.3 percent. Food and beverage prices and health expenses, however, saw slight declines of 0.2 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively. 

The World Bank projects GCC inflation to reach 2.2 percent in 2024 and 2.7 percent in 2025. Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product is forecast to grow by 1.6 percent this year and accelerate to 4.9 percent in 2025. 

Wholesale Price Index 

In a separate report, GASTAT revealed that Saudi Arabia’s Wholesale Price Index increased by 2.4 percent in October year on year. 

“This increase is mainly attributed to a 5.4 percent increase in the prices of other transportable goods, affected by a 12 percent increase in the prices of refined petroleum products, as well as a 9.6 percent increase in furniture and other transportable goods,” the authority stated. 

Agricultural and fishing product prices saw an annual rise of 0.8 percent, as agricultural product costs increased by 2 percent. Metal products, machinery, and equipment also saw a 0.5 percent increase in October, led by a 3.5 percent rise in basic metals. 

Conversely, prices for ores and minerals dropped by 2.7 percent due to a decline in costs for stones and sand. 

Food, beverages, tobacco, and textiles decreased by 0.1 percent, driven by a 4.6 percent decline in the prices of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, oils, and fats. 

Compared to September, the WPI declined by 0.2 percent, influenced by a 0.6 percent drop in prices of other transportable goods. 

Average Price Index 

In an additional report, GASTAT noted shifts in the average prices of goods and services across Saudi Arabia in October. 

Prices of Abu Sorra Egyptian oranges increased by 7.29 percent compared to the previous month, while green bean prices rose by 6.98 percent. Turkish plums and imported honey also saw monthly increases of 5.38 percent and 4.58 percent, respectively. 

In contrast, the price of imported barley fell by 6.16 percent, and the costs of hay and local melon dropped by 4.93 percent and 4.02 percent, respectively, in October. 


Oil Updates – prices ease on fears of higher output, sluggish demand

Updated 14 November 2024
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Oil Updates – prices ease on fears of higher output, sluggish demand

LONDON: Oil prices slipped in early trade on Thursday, reversing most of the previous session’s gains, weighed down by worries of higher global production amid slow demand growth, with a firmer dollar exacerbating the declines.

Brent crude futures fell 35 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $71.93 a barrel by 7:00 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures declined 42 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $68.01.

“Oil is tackling the (earlier) weaker demand forecast narrative by OPEC, who deferred rolling back additional production for yet another month, fearing the adverse effect on prices,” said Phillip Nova’s senior market analyst Priyanka Sachdeva in an email.

On Tuesday, OPEC cut its global oil demand growth forecast to 1.82 million bpd in 2024, down from 1.93 million bpd forecast last month, on weak demand in China, India and other regions, sending oil prices to their lowest in nearly two weeks.

Meanwhile, the US Energy Information Administration has slightly raised its expectation of US oil output to an average 13.23 million barrels per day this year, or 300,000 bpd higher than last year’s record 12.93 million bpd, and up from 13.22 million bpd forecast earlier.

The agency also raised its global oil output forecast for 2024 to 102.6 million bpd, from its prior forecast of 102.5 million bpd. For next year, it expects world output of 104.7 million bpd, up from 104.5 million bpd previously.

The EIA’s oil demand growth forecasts are weaker than OPEC’s, at about 1 million bpd in 2024, although that is up from its prior forecast of about 900,000 bpd.

Market participants are now waiting for the International Energy Agency’s oil market report, due later in the day, and the EIA’s US crude oil and product stockpile data for further trading cues.

Concerns about China’s demand remains a key contributor to softening prices, analysts say.

“Despite various stimulus measures implemented by Chinese authorities, there has been little to no improvement in economic activity or sentiment within mainland China,” said Phillip Nova’s Sachdeva.

China continues to be the “sore joint” for oil demand and the primary reason why oil markets are bracing for an oversupply in 2025, she added.

Also weighing on prices, the US dollar rose to near a seven-month high against major currencies on Wednesday after data showed US inflation for October increased in line with expectations, suggesting the Federal Reserve will keep cutting rates.

“..the stronger USD is creating strong headwinds for commodities,” ANZ Research said in a note.

A firmer dollar makes commodities priced in the greenback expensive for buyers using other currencies.


Mizuho to launch Saudi ETF with sovereign fund PIF

Updated 14 November 2024
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Mizuho to launch Saudi ETF with sovereign fund PIF

TOKYO: Japan’s Mizuho Financial Group is partnering with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to create a Tokyo-listed exchange-traded fund featuring Saudi shares, providing retail investors easier access to a promising emerging market.

A report from leading Japanese business publication Nikkei says Asset Management One, a joint venture between Mizuho and Dai-ichi Life Holdings, plans to create an ETF this fiscal year, linked to the FTSE Saudi Arabia Index.

The fund will mainly track large, creditworthy stocks such as banks and Saudi Aramco, making it accessible for inexperienced retail investors. The minimum investment is expected to be in the thousands to tens of thousands of yen, putting it under $1,000.

The goal is to attract capital for the fund from a wide range of investors, with PIF and Mizuho Bank as the anchors. Mizuho also will aid PIF’s efforts to raise capital overseas as it aims to strengthen ties with the Saudi finance sector. The Japanese bank will use its fundraising expertise to coach personnel from the sovereign wealth fund, as well as provide support for the country’s transition away from oil.

In April, PIF announced a partnership with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, under which the fund will contribute up to $5 billion to an investment platform that aims to draw money for domestic and overseas investment. Mizuho is the first Japanese private-sector financial institution to partner with PIF.

Nikkei describes Saudi Arabia as “increasingly appealing as an investment destination,” noting how the country’s stock market ranked eighth in the world by market capitalization last year.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan