Mideast funds back Paramount's $108B Warner Bros. takeover bid Netflix appeared to have won a weeks-long bidding war with Paramount and Comcast, securing a $72 billion equity deal for Warner Bros. Discovery's TV, film studios and streaming assets, but Monday's $108 billion bid changes the calculus. Saudi Arabia
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Saudi PIF eyes $27B Japan portfolio as kingdom courts Asian investment Saudi Arabia is strengthening economic ties with Asian countries as it pursues its economic transformation goals. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Saudi Arabia opens Nomu Parallel Market to new investors: What to know Easing investing rules and deepening capital markets to diversify the Saudi economy are key to fulfilling Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia
Despite reaching all-time high, Egypt’s external debt is within safe levels Inflows of foreign currency debt were spent on infrastructure, health care and overhaul of shantytowns across the country. However, Egyptian banks’ net foreign liability position stands out as a risk. Egypt
Turkey calls designation from global finance watchdog ‘unwarranted’ The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force added Turkey to its “grey list,” which indicates concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing. News Brief
Global finance watchdog adds Turkey to grey list Amid high inflation, widespread youth unemployment and deepening poverty, the country's economic situation is looking increasingly grim Turkey
Is Ankara capitulating to or allowing lira’s depreciation? Turkey’s central bank shocks financial markets with a bigger-than-expected rate cut, overriding concerns over the slump of the Turkish lira and its bruising impact on the economy. Turkey
Turkey’s vulnerable lira plunges to record low after central bank sackings In a midnight decree, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rid the central bank of key bureaucrats who opposed his calls for lower interest rates ahead of next Thursday’s key meeting. Turkey
French court upholds conviction of Assad's uncle in money laundering case A French court last year sentenced Rifaat al-Assad to four years in prison and ordered the forfeiture of his French real estate assets. Syria
Turkey’s record growth rate belies murky economic prospects Eager to woo back disgruntled voters, Erdogan appears bent on stimulating economic growth at the risk of stoking Turkey’s currency troubles. Turkey
Ill-conceived borrowing scheme costs Turkey double The cost of Ankara’s domestic borrowing in hard currency and gold is estimated to have hit nearly 32% per annum amid the slump of the Turkish lira, more than doubling the cost of borrowing in liras. Turkey
Saudi Aramco denies rumors it will produce bitcoins The Saudi state-owned oil company said reports it will engage in the process of creating cryptocurrency are "false." DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Lebanon implements ration card program as economic crisis worsens The Lebanese parliament approved a law to fund ration cards for the most vulnerable families, while ending subsidies. Lebanon
Egypt looks to Islamic bond market for foreign investment boost Egypt’s sovereign bonds bill paves the way for Egypt to join the Islamic finance market, allowing foreign investment in national projects such as the Suez Canal and Aswan Dam, which affects Egyptian national security. Egypt
US weighs options as Lebanon’s allies move to assist military The Pentagon and State Department are exploring "creative ways" to help the Lebanese armed forces offset their costs amid financial crisis. Lebanon
