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.
Macroeconomic update (Sept. 2013): Oil income fuels non-oil growth and more
Macroeconomic reportIn this report we update our forecasts for the Saudi economy taking account recent flow of data. Key findings include: Real GDP growth in the Kingdom expected to record 4 percent in 2013. Elevated current and capital expenditures will keep growth of retail, construction and transport sectors on the lead, while government services benefit from higher demand as a result of the new labor market changes. Upward revision to our oil price forecasts supports both fiscal and current account surpluses. High remittances and bigger import bill to weigh on current account balance this year, but higher oil export revenues keep it in the positive double digits territory.
Inflation report (February 2014): Headline CPI inflation at 4-year low
Headline inflation in the Kingdom fell to a four year low of 2.8 percent year-on-year in February compared with 2.9 percent in the previous month. The core inflation also fell to below 1.5 percent for the first time since April 2011.
Inflation report (March 2014): Headline CPI inflation continues to fall
Saudi Arabias inflation rate fell for the fourth consecutive month in March, reaching 2.6 percent year-on-year compared with 2.8 percent in the previous month. Lower food price inflation was the main reason for the decline, while rental inflation picked up slightly.