Saudi Current Account in Deficit in 2024 Despite High Oil Prices
The Saudi current account moved into a small deficit in 2024 despite oil prices of $80 per barrel. A return to a surplus is unlikely unless oil revenue moves sharply higher.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
What Do Lower Oil Prices Mean for the Saudi Budget?
The sharp drop in oil prices over the past week will result in a larger budget deficit and more government borrowing.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Positive Momentum Continues in the Saudi Labor Market
Robust growth in the non-oil economy and ongoing reforms are driving increased employment and labor force participation rates and lower unemployment among Saudi nationals.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Lower Aramco Dividends to Hit Government Budget and PIF in 2025
Aramco has announced it will pay a significantly lower dividend in 2025, which is bad news for the Public Investment Fund and the government, with the fiscal deficit in 2025 likely to be larger than budgeted.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Understanding Saudi Foreign Direct Investment Data
Attracting foreign direct investment is a key goal of Vision 2030, but tracking progress in this important area is complicated by data revisions and questions about the data accuracy.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
New Data Paints a Rosier Picture of Saudi Foreign Direct Investment Inflows
Revised data suggests that FDI into the nonhydrocarbon sector in Saudi Arabia has been on an upward trend since 2020.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
High Dividend Payments Continue to Drain Saudi Aramco’s Liquid Assets
Aramco’s high dividend payout may not be sustainable, and any decline in dividend payments would adversely affect the government budget and Public Investment Fund.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Strong Spending Growth Likely to Result in a Larger Government Budget Deficit
Fiscal data for the first half of 2024 suggests that the government fiscal deficit will be larger than budgeted due to continued strong spending growth.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Saudi Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low
The July 8 edition of the Saudi Economic Spotlight highlights how labor market indicators improved in the first quarter of 2024, with the unemployment rate among Saudi nationals falling to its lowest level on record.
Saudi Economic Spotlight content-type in which the post is published
Saudi Arabia’s 2024 Growth Will Be Weaker Than Previously Forecast
The June 10 edition of the Saudi Economic Spotlight examines how the extension of oil production cuts and a slowdown in private consumption growth will make economic growth in 2024 weaker than expected a few months ago.
The Obstacles to Getting to “Yes” With Iran
The ongoing negotiation process between the United States and Iran will be complex and volatile – while some of the most central issues might be soluble, sanctions issues might prove intractable.
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