UNDP Ranks Lebanon among Countries with High Human Development
According to the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) 2009 Human Development annual report, Lebanon’s 2009 Global Index value stood at 0.803, positioning Lebanon 83rd among 182 surveyed countries and 8th in the Arab region.
Balance of Trade Through August 2009
On the current account side of the balance of payment, Lebanon’s Higher Customs Council conveyed a $545 million annual expansion in Lebanon’s balance of trade deficit to $8,582 million up to August 2009.
Budget Deficit Through August 2009
On the public finance front, Lebanon’s fiscal deficit (budgetary & treasury) expanded to $1.84 billion in the first eight months of 2009 from $1.69 billion in the same period last year.
Nine Lebanese Banks Ranked Among the Top 100 Arab banks
According to the Union of Arab Banks, nine Lebanese banks ranked among the top 100 Arab banks in terms of consolidated balance sheet in 2008, reflecting the strength of the Lebanese banking sector.
The Lebanese Banking Sector in August 2009
In the banking sector and the Banking Executive magazine, the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon unveils a 1.89% monthly expansion in total banking sector assets to LBP 161,866 billion ($107.37 billion) through August 2009.
Kuwait’s Money Growth At 18.75% in August
According to government official data, Kuwait’s “M2” monetary aggregate grew by 18.75% in August 2009 to KD 24.45 billion ($85.09 billion).
Trade Gap in August 2009
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S balance of trade deficit fell by 3.76% to $30.7 billion in August 2009, down from $31.9 billion in July.
