Egypt privatisation, Russia-Ukraine, Oman subsidies

Further reports that Egypt’s government is stepping up the pace of structural reforms are promising for the country’s longer-term growth prospects. For the Gulf economies, Russia-Ukraine tensions could potentially have a positive economic impact via the rise in oil prices. Indeed, with prices at their current highs, Oman’s government appears to be loosening the purse strings. We wouldn’t be surprised if other countries in the Gulf followed suit.