Egypt inflation, Saudi construction, Jordan tax plan

August’s rise in Egyptian inflation means that the central bank will probably leave interest rates on hold at this month’s MPC meeting. But signs that core price pressures have eased means that it won’t be long until rate cuts come back on to the agenda. Meanwhile, low-profile figures suggest that fiscal loosening has failed to provide support to Saudi Arabia’s beleaguered construction sector. And a revised income tax law in Jordan will ensure that the country’s IMF deal remains intact.