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.
Macroeconomic update: Economic projections for 2014 revised up
Macroeconomic ReportWe have revised some of our 2014 forecasts to take account of a recent flow of data that has generally been stronger than we had anticipated. With higher than expected year-to-date oil prices and output, we have revised up our forecast upwards for both. Higher public spending and robust credit growth should support non-oil growth with construction, transport, manufacturing and retail sectors in the lead. A slowdown in global growth and geopolitical tensions constitute key risks, though they are less acute and more evenly balanced than in recent years.
