European stock markets moved higher amid volatility in UK equities. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index closed 0.2% higher following a dip into the red midday. The FTSE 100 and UK bond prices dropped sharply, with the former ending the day 0.1% lower. France’s CAC 40 was up 1% while Germany’s DAX was up 0.5%. Germany’s Siemens AG was among the top performers, benefiting from improved trade sentiment. Stronger-than-expected US employment data also helped ease concerns about global economic slowdowns. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicated that 147,000 jobs were added in June, while unemployment dropped to 4.1% from 4.2%.
Author: Mohamad Rachidi
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) upgraded Mongolia’s credit risk classification in June. The reassessment took the grading from the highest risk rating of 7/7 to 6/7. During last month’s meeting, the OECD reviewed and reassessed the risk classification for 40 countries. Only three had their ratings changed. Both Senegal and Bangladesh were graded down, while Mongolia was upgraded by one level. The upgrade is expected to reduce financial pressure on the national budget and private enterprises and strengthen investor confidence in Mongolia. The reclassification is expected to decrease long-term export financing expenses. It will also reduce funding…
His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister requested that the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Kuwait and China be expedited. The directive came during the 17th session of the committee to review the progress of agreements and MoUs signed between the two governments. Some of the key topics discussed include collaborations on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, renewable energy development, and low-carbon green systems for waste recycling, The committee session also discussed joint initiatives on combating desertification through national projects focused on ecosystem rehabilitation.
Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors stationed in India gathered to discuss opportunities to strengthen ties with New Delhi. As the current chair of the council, Kuwait led and hosted the session. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen and development ties between India and the GCC in multiple sectors. The ambassadors also talked about initiatives to promote efforts within the Gulf region. As the world’s fastest growing economy, India is forecast to see GDP growth at 5.9% by the end of 2025 and 6.4% in 2026.
The suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has set Thailand’s already frayed ruling coalition back. The court’s decision to suspend the 38 year-old Primer is stirring up concerns about the country’s economy and doubts about Paetongtarn’s political future. The Primer’s suspension comes at a trying time for the country’s economy and ruling coalition. Last month, the ruling coalition’s biggest partner, the Bhumjaithai party, exited following prolonged infighting. Meanwhile, economic growth is slowing compared Thailand’s neighbors and weighed down by threats of Trump’s tariffs policy. In May, the government slashed its 2025 growth forecast to 1.3%, down a percentage point. The…
Kuwait won the bid to host the 2026 Sports Press Association (AIPS) Asia Congress, securing the majority vote during the Association’s General Assembly meeting in Hong Kong . Sattam Al-Sahali, Head of Sports Media at the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, and committee member Khalil Nadoom represented Kuwait during the bidding process. Thee vote was down to three members–Malaysia, Qatar and Kuwait. Malaysia withdrew due to logistical concerns. Qatar was close behind, but Kuwait took the bid to host the press event. The delegates enthusiastically welcomed the vote, and stressed the 2026 Congress in Kuwait is crucial to meeting the associations goals.
A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) workshop on protecting oil and gas infrastructure and crisis management kicked off today, in Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition in Ahmadi. Jassem Al-Budaiwi GCC Secretary General, said in a recorded speech that Gulf states are working to implement ambitious development plans, which would lead to increased energy demand for the Council states. In this regard, Al-Budaiwi said the GCC’s primary objectives are to adapt to global energy transitions, meet rising regional demands, and ensure the security and stability of the global energy market. The Secretary General stressed that the security and safety of energy…
A report by Vietnam Investment Credit Rating JSC forecasts continued economic stability for the second half of 2025. The VIS Rating report attributed the predication to extensive reforms, adaptability to global risks and proactive fiscal policies. VIS Rating noted that the government’s ongoing efforts to increase infrastructure spending and administrative reforms will boost the business environment and accelerate investment disbursement. The report also stressed the country’s economic growth in the second half of the year, would increase thanks to infrastructure, energy, technology and real estate sectors. On the other hand, the report predicts export-driven industries face a significant risk, driven…
The UAE Higher Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud recently held a meeting to discuss ways to enhance legislative and regulatory frameworks to combat commercial fraud. It was the Committee’s first meeting chaired by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh. In a press release, Minister Al-Saleh said the UAE currently offers more than 2,000 licensed economic activities, and hosts over 1.1 million economic companies and institutions. Al-Saleh added that the Cabinet’s decision to establish the Higher Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to support the development of the…
Morocco’s national statistics agency, HCP said the economy saw a 4.8% grow in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3% from a year earlier. The HCP report also noted that domestic demand rose 8%, up from last year’s 4%, for the first three months of the year. The shift offset foreign trade’s negative effect on economic growth. Growing agricultural and industrial sectors contributed to economic growth, increasing 4.6% and 4.5% respectively.
