The Lebanese Banking Sector in April 2009
In the banking sector, the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon reveals a 1.73% monthly expansion in total banking sector assets to LBP 150,189 billion ($99.63 billion) in April 2009, up from LBP 147,640 billion ($97.94 billion) in March 2009.
Balance of Trade Through April 2009
On the current account side of the balance of payment, Lebanon’s Higher Customs Council conveyed a $150 million annual expansion in Lebanon’s balance of trade deficit to $3,804 million as at end of April 2009.
Balance of Payment Up To April 2009
According to Banque Du Liban (BDL) statistics, Lebanon’s balance of payment (BOP) surplus reached $839.1 million during the month of April 2009, in comparison with a surplus of $73.1 million in April 2008.
Budget Deficit in the First Four Months of 2009
On the Public Finance Front, Lebanon’s fiscal deficit (budgetary & treasury) widened to $1.21 billion up to April 2009 from $990.3 million in the same period last year.
Banque Du Liban's Reserves In the First Half of June 2009
Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) balance sheet depicts a 1.46% ($338.15 million) bi-weekly appreciation in Lebanon’s gross foreign currency reserves during the first half of June 2009 to $23.44 billion.
Saudi Inflation Rate At 5.21% in April
According to the Central Department of Statistics, Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate slowed to its 19-month low at 5.21% in April in comparison with 6% in March.
Producer Price Index in May 2009
Figures released by the U.S. Labor Department conveyed a 0.2% expansion in May’s Producer Price Index “PPI”, lagging behind economists’ expectations of a higher 0.5% rise.
