The Lebanese banking sector in 2009
In the banking sector, the consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon rose by 1.48% on a monthly basis to LBP 173,740 billion ($115.25 billion) as at year-end 2009.
Technical and non-technical losses account for 40% of total electricity production
According to the Lebanese press, the Minister of Energy and Water, Mr. Jibran Bassil, recently unveiled during a press conference that the electricity sector deficit was trimmed down to around $1 billion in the year 2009.
Tax-free shopping in January 2010
According to the Global Refund’s “Insights Into Tourist Spending” report, Lebanon’s tax-free spending posted a 14% y-o-y expansion in January 2010.
Kafalat loans in January 2010
The number of guarantees issued by the government-subsidized program “KAFALAT” rose to 134 in January 2010 in comparison with 56 guarantees in January 2009.
Saudi Arabia's inflation rate in December 2009
According to the Saudi official statistics authority, Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate rose to 4.3% in December 2009.
Trade GAP in December 2009
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S balance of trade deficit widened by 10.44% to $40.2 billion in December 2009.
