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Oil Updates — crude holds in tight range as rising output offsets Russia supply disruptions

Oil Updates — crude holds in tight range as rising output offsets Russia supply disruptions
A view shows a pressure gauge near oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk, in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. File/Reuters
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Oil Updates — crude holds in tight range as rising output offsets Russia supply disruptions

Oil Updates — crude holds in tight range as rising output offsets Russia supply disruptions
  • Russian drones knock out power facilities in Ukraine
  • Asia manufacturing data mixed, clouds economic outlook
  • OPEC+ to meet on Sept. 7

SINGAPORE: Oil prices traded in a tight range on Monday as worries about rising output and the impact of US tariffs on demand offset supply disruptions stemming from intensified Russia-Ukraine airstrikes.

Brent crude fell 30 cents, or 0.44 percent, to $67.18 a barrel by 7:00 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $63.73 a barrel, down 28 cents, or 0.44 percent. Trading is expected to be muted due to a US bank holiday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed on Sunday to retaliate by ordering more strikes deep inside Russia after Russian drone attacks on power facilities in northern and southern Ukraine. Both countries have intensified airstrikes in recent weeks, targeting energy infrastructure and disrupting Russian oil exports.

Markets remained concerned about Russian oil flows, with weekly shipments from its ports dropping to a four-week low of 2.72 million barrels per day, according to tanker tracker data cited by ANZ analysts in a note.

However, Russian oil exports to India are set to rise in September, traders said, despite secondary tariffs imposed on New Delhi by the US for buying oil from Moscow.

“Modi’s meeting with Putin in China will be closely watched, particularly in light of US pressures,” Michael McCarthy, CEO of Moomoo Australia, said, referring to the Indian and Russian presidents who are attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization regional security bloc in China.

A Reuters poll on Friday showed that oil prices are unlikely to gain much traction from current levels this year, as rising output from top producers adds to the risk of a surplus and US tariff threats weigh on demand growth.

The week started with a slew of manufacturing and export data from China, Japan and South Korea, among the world’s biggest crude oil importers.

Factory activity in China unexpectedly grew in August but weakened for other Asian economies as companies began to feel the pain from US tariffs, private surveys showed on Monday, clouding the outlook for the region’s fragile recovery.

Brent and WTI crude posted their first decline in four months in August, down 6 percent or more on OPEC+ supply concerns.

Investors are eyeing the Sept. 7 meeting between members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies for further supply cues.

Meanwhile, US crude oil production hit a record high in June, rising 133,000 barrels per day to 13.58 million bpd, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration on Friday.

A US labor market report this week will give a crucial read into the economy’s health and test investors’ confidence that interest rate cuts are coming soon, a view that has lifted their appetite for riskier assets such as commodities.


Aramco keeps LPG prices unchanged for September

Aramco keeps LPG prices unchanged for September
Updated 31 August 2025

Aramco keeps LPG prices unchanged for September

Aramco keeps LPG prices unchanged for September

RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has kept its official selling prices for liquefied petroleum gas unchanged for September 2025, maintaining the same levels as the previous month. Propane is priced at $520 per tonne, while butane remains at $490 per tonne, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

LPG, which includes propane and butane, is widely used for residential heating, cooking, transportation, and as a petrochemical feedstock.

Aramco’s monthly pricing serves as a benchmark for exports from the Gulf to Asia, the world’s largest LPG-consuming region.

In developing countries, state-backed programs encouraging LPG for cooking and heating are boosting domestic consumption, supported by tanker-based supply chains.

In developed markets, LPG provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative for industrial processes and transportation.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,696

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,696
Updated 31 August 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,696

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,696
  • Parallel market Nomu dropped 1.37% to end at 25,943.03
  • MSCI Tadawul Index shed 0.19% to close at 1,382.06

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 35.42 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 10,696.89.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index reached SR3.16 billion ($842 million), with 38 stocks advancing and 217 declining.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also dropped, falling 360.62 points, or 1.37 percent, to 25,943.03, as 30 stocks advanced while 65 retreated.

The MSCI Tadawul Index shed 2.59 points, or 0.19 percent, to close at 1,382.06.

Development Works Food Co. was the day’s top performer, rising 6.53 percent to SR124. Arab National Bank gained 3.02 percent to SR24.21, while Banque Saudi Fransi advanced 2.96 percent to SR16.70.

On the downside, SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co. fell 5.44 percent to SR114.80. 

Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. (Petro Rabigh) declined 5.14 percent to SR7.01. The company announced a board recommendation to raise its capital from SR16.7 billion to SR21.9 billion through issuing and privately offering new ordinary shares to founding shareholders, alongside a subscription agreement.

In corporate updates, Saudi Networkers Services Co. reported a net profit of SR20.6 million for the first half of 2025, up 4.4 percent from a year earlier, supported by higher revenues and improved margins. Its shares closed at SR73, up 6.84 percent.

Advance International Co. for Communication and Information Technology posted a net loss of SR2.9 million for the same period, compared with a profit of SR5.15 million last year. The company cited higher operating costs and lower selling prices in its wholesale and supplies division. Its shares ended at SR2.30, down 8.33 percent.

Arabian International Healthcare Holding Co. narrowed its losses to SR24.2 million, down 23.6 percent year on year, aided by stronger gross profit and lower impairment charges. Its shares closed at SR33.30, down 15.87 percent.

Saudi Parts Center Co. swung to a net loss of SR6.2 million in the first half of the year, versus a profit of SR689,000 last year, due to a 17 percent sales drop and weaker revenue from its Engine and Generator Repair Center. Its shares ended at SR42, down 13.04 percent.

Rawasi Albina Investment Co. turned to a net profit of SR1.19 million from a loss of SR9.7 million a year earlier, driven by higher revenues from completed projects and contract expansions in construction, telecoms, and energy. Its stock fell 7.69 percent to SR3.98.


Saudi-US talks spotlight lithium, aerospace, and supply chain during high-level visit

Saudi-US talks spotlight lithium, aerospace, and supply chain during high-level visit
Updated 31 August 2025

Saudi-US talks spotlight lithium, aerospace, and supply chain during high-level visit

Saudi-US talks spotlight lithium, aerospace, and supply chain during high-level visit
  • Saudi minister of industry and mineral resources met senior US government officials
  • Bandar Alkhorayef highlighted investment opportunities in technology, AI, and innovative industries

JEDDAH: Ƶ and the US explored cooperation in sectors including lithium, aerospace, and supply chain resilience during a high-level visit led by the Kingdom’s minister of industry and mineral resources.

Bandar Alkhorayef concluded a four-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and industrial ties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussions also covered energy innovation, mining, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, specialty chemicals, food processing, medical devices, smart city technologies, and electric vehicle production.

The government and private sector talks focused on advancing strategic partnerships in line with Ƶ’s National Industrial Strategy, Comprehensive Strategy for Mining and Metals Industries, and Vision 2030 objectives.

“I concluded my visit to the US, which included meetings with government officials, leaders of major companies, and heads of academic and research institutions to strengthen cooperation in industry, mining, and technology, facilitate knowledge transfer, and build strategic partnerships supporting our national objectives,” Alkhorayef said in a post on his X account.

During the visit, Alkhorayef met senior US government officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley.

The minister highlighted Saudi investment opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, and innovative industries during meetings with investors in North Carolina, which were held in coordination with the US Chamber of Commerce.

Alkhorayef engaged with executives from major American firms, including General Mills, Lilac Solutions, and RTX. He also met representatives from International Flavors and Fragrances, Guardian Industries, Abbott, Skytower Global Investments, MP Materials, and Albemarle.

Talks focused on joint investment, mining collaboration, technology transfer, and localizing advanced industries in the Kingdom.

“This visit reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to building global partnerships, attracting high-quality investments, and diversifying the Saudi economy in alignment with Vision 2030,” SPA reported, adding that the engagements are expected to boost knowledge transfer, foster sustainable growth, and expand bilateral trade and investment.

Alkhorayef also visited Albemarle Corp.’s Kings Mountain lithium mine in North Carolina, a key site in North America’s critical minerals strategy with planned output sufficient to power 1.2 million electric vehicles annually by 2030. He discussed technology transfer, joint ventures, and expertise exchange in lithium extraction and processing with Albemarle Chairman and CEO Kent Masters.

“During my visit to Albemarle, a global leader in lithium production, I learned about their expertise in this strategic resource and met with their leadership to enhance cooperation, transfer knowledge, and build strategic partnerships that strengthen the Kingdom’s position in this vital mineral, which forms the cornerstone of the clean energy future,” Alkhorayef wrote in a separate post.

The minister met Honeywell Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur on Aug. 29 to discuss expanding cooperation in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and smart city development. 

The talks emphasized applying global best practices in digital industrial infrastructure and the role of smart technologies in modernizing the Saudi industry.

The meeting also examined joint investment in smart industrial solutions, advanced automation systems, and Internet of Things networks. It provided insights into Ƶ’s Future Factories Program, which aims to transform 4,000 facilities through automation and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

Alkhorayef toured Honeywell’s technology exhibition, reviewing innovations in smart city systems, digital industrial solutions, and products deployed across more than 80 markets.

With the Kingdom looking to become a leading player in the global lithium market by 2027, the country is investing in new extraction technologies and accelerating plans to localize EV production and renewable energy supply chains. 

Lithium is central to the Kingdom’s goal of producing 300,000 EVs annually by 2030. In 2024, it achieved a milestone by extracting lithium from brine water in oil fields, a breakthrough sustainable source.

Alkhorayef’s US visit centered on building strategic partnerships to transfer technologies for mineral extraction and processing. Meetings with leading lithium producers and US officials, including Wright, followed a memorandum of cooperation on critical minerals signed in May.


S&P maintains Jordan’s credit rating at ‘BB-’

S&P maintains Jordan’s credit rating at ‘BB-’
Updated 31 August 2025

S&P maintains Jordan’s credit rating at ‘BB-’

S&P maintains Jordan’s credit rating at ‘BB-’
  • IMF-backed programs aim to cut debt and boost resilience

RIYADH: Jordan has maintained its long-term sovereign credit rating at “BB-” with a stable outlook, according to S&P Global, underscoring the country’s resilience despite heightened regional security challenges.

In its latest assessment, the US-based ratings agency attributed the decision to Jordan’s macroeconomic stability, steady progress on financial and structural reforms, and continued international support, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

The outlook is further reinforced by improving fiscal performance. Official data show domestic revenues climbed 3.6 percent in the first half of 2025 to 4.67 billion dinars ($6.59 billion), supported by government measures to bolster public finances.

This increase of about 164.7 million dinars coincided with a reduction in public debt, which fell to 35.3 billion dinars, or 90.9 percent of gross domestic product, down from 92.7 percent in May, according to Central Bank of Jordan figures.

S&P expects Jordan’s economy to expand 2.6 percent in 2025, aided by a rebound in the travel and tourism industry, shifting regional dynamics, and a gradual pickup in trade with Syria and Iraq.

Growth is projected to accelerate to 3 percent in 2026 and 3.1 percent in 2027. The agency also forecasts the consolidated budget deficit will narrow from 2.8 percent of GDP in 2024 to 2.4 percent in 2025, with the debt-to-GDP ratio on a downward path over the medium term.

The agency noted that the Jordanian dinar’s peg to the US dollar has been instrumental in controlling inflation and maintaining monetary stability. Inflation is expected to hover around 2 percent in 2025, staying within manageable levels.

Finance Minister Abdul Hakim Al-Shibli has reiterated the government’s commitment to lowering the public debt ratio to 80 percent of GDP by 2028 under an IMF-backed reform program. He said the plan is designed to reinforce fiscal and economic stability, support sustainable growth, and protect citizens from additional financial burdens.

Jordan’s reform drive has gained momentum following the IMF’s completion of the third review of its Extended Fund Facility in June.

At the same time, the fund approved a new 48-month, $700 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility, aimed at boosting long-term resilience in the energy, water, and health sectors while advancing climate and pandemic preparedness.


Saudi non-listed corporate debt jumps over 500% as investors diversify

Saudi non-listed corporate debt jumps over 500% as investors diversify
Updated 31 August 2025

Saudi non-listed corporate debt jumps over 500% as investors diversify

Saudi non-listed corporate debt jumps over 500% as investors diversify
  • Traded government debt instruments climbed 132.4% to SR15.60 billion
  • Foreign investment in Saudi financial market grew 1.65% to SR481.8 billion

RIYADH: Ƶ’s debt instruments market rose in the second quarter of the year, led by non-listed corporate debt, which jumped 513.8 percent year on year to SR1.2 billion ($320 million) from roughly SR200 million. 
According to the Capital Market Authority’s quarterly statistical bulletin, traded government debt instruments climbed 132.4 percent to SR15.60 billion, compared to SR6.72 billion in the same period of 2024.
This comes as the CMA continues to introduce new investment products and structural reforms to diversify investor portfolios beyond equities. The regulator also published a consultation proposing a framework for special purpose acquisition companies on Nomu, the Kingdom’s parallel market, to facilitate private sector listings and expand investment vehicle options. 
“The Saudi financial market posted positive performance across a number of investment instruments by the end of the second quarter of 2025, as investors moved toward diversifying their portfolios and investment products, and not limiting themselves to equities alone, in an effort to maximize returns and reduce risks,” the CMA said. 
Individual investment portfolios in the main market rose 11.95 percent to SR13.91 million, while the number of individual investors holding these portfolios increased 6.7 percent to SR6.90 million. Managed portfolios climbed 29.5 percent to 103,630, with total assets up 9 percent to SR352.60 billion. 
These figures “reflect the expansion of the individual investor base and the increasing engagement with the diverse investment instruments available in the capital market,” the CMA said. 
Foreign investment in the Saudi financial market grew 1.65 percent year on year to SR481.8 billion, with foreign assets held by clients at financial institutions rising from SR21.3 billion in the first quarter to SR26.1 billion in the second quarter. 
“The increases seen in foreign markets, particularly the recent rise in the US market, were among the main reasons for the increase in asset values, as the S&P 500 index rose by more than 10 percent in the second quarter,” the authority added. 
The investment funds sector also posted strong gains. The number of funds rose 24.8 percent to 1,735, with total assets up 27.8 percent to SR781.41 billion. Subscribers climbed 30.16 percent to over 1.76 million, the highest in history, and real estate funds accounted for 31.6 percent of public subscribers and 71 percent of private subscribers. 
Listed corporate debt instruments rose 13.3 percent in traded value to SR426 million. New non-listed corporate debt issuances jumped 94.37 percent to SR3.01 billion, while outstanding issuances climbed 16.2 percent to SR124.87 billion. 
“The results confirm the strength of the Saudi capital market and its investment appeal, as the Capital Market Authority continues to develop its systems and enhance its legislative and regulatory framework in line with international best practices,” the authority said.  
“This enhances the market’s ability to attract domestic and foreign investors and supports the diversification of investment instruments, contributing to economic growth targets in line with Saudi Vision 2030,” it added.