http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/images/fxstreet-provider-logo1-en.gif7http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2012-01-30.htmlFREEDOM HOUSE REPORT CONSIDERS LEBANON AS A “PARTLY FREE” COUNTRY Freedom House published “Freedom in the World 2012: The Arab Uprisings and Their Global Repercussions” report in which it disclosed that Lebanon, which is considered as a “partly free” country, suffered a decline in its “civil liberties” rating from 3 in the year 2010 to “4” in the year 2011. CUSTOMS COLLECTIONS IN EXCESS OF $3 BILLION IN 2011 Figures released by the Lebanese Customs unveil an 11.66% annual contraction inMon, 30 Jan 2012 09:36:50 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2012-01-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-12-23.htmlREAL ESTATE SALE TRANSACTIONS DOWN BY 12.95% Y-O-Y UP TO NOVEMBER 2011 The number of real estate transactions tumbled by 12.95% year-on-year to 73,207 as at the end of November in comparison with 84,101 transactions a year before. LEBANON MAINTAINS ITS 18TH POSITION WORLDWIDE AND 2ND POSITION ON A REGIONAL BASIS IN TERMS OF GOLD RESERVES IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 2011 According to the World Gold Council’s “Gold Investment Digest” report for the fourth quarter of 2011, Lebanon’s total goldFri, 23 Dec 2011 16:33:36 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-12-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-12-05.htmlLEBANON TO RECEIVE $8 BILLION IN MIGRANT REMITTANCES IN 2011 The World Bank’s report highlighted that Lebanon is anticipated to receive some $8 billion in migrant remittances in the year 2011, almost unchanged from the level achieved in 2010. CITI PROJECTS LEBANON’S GDP GROWTH RATE AT 2.8% IN 2011 AND 3.5% IN 2012 Citi Investment Research & Analysis (CIRA)’s report expects Lebanon’s GDP growth rate to settle at 3.5% in 2012 and the fiscal balance to GDP ratio to reach a negative 7.8%.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:34:29 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-12-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-11-28.htmlREAL ESTATE SALE TRANSACTIONS DOWN BY 14.50% Y-O-Y UP TO OCTOBER 2011 The number of real estate transactions tumbled by 14.50% year-on-year to 66,143 as at the end of October in comparison with 77,360 transactions a year before. INSURANCE PREMIUMS UP BY 14% UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2011 The Association of Insurance Companies in Lebanon (“ACAL”) released its third quarter performance report for the year 2011 in which it reported a 14% year-onyear increase in written insurance premiums to $904.40 millionMon, 28 Nov 2011 10:34:40 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-11-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-09-19.htmlLEBANON RANKS 79TH WORLDWIDE IN THE ICT DEVELOPMENT INDEX, AND 72ND IN THE ICT PRICE BASKET According to the International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”), Lebanon came in 8th regionally and 72nd internationally in terms of information & communication technology prices and affordability in the year 2010. INDUSTRIAL EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY THROUGH JULY 2011 Lebanon’s industrial exports rose by 5.87% y-o-y to $2,042 million up to July 2011 from $1,929 million in theMon, 19 Sep 2011 07:11:19 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-09-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-09-12.htmlAccording to STR Global’s July 2011 report on hotel Performance in the Middle East region, Beirut’s hotel occupancy contracted by 9.8% on an annual basis to 67.4% during the month of July 2011. ACTIVITY ON THE BEIRUT STOCK EXCHANGE THROUGH AUGUST 2011 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value rose by 18.52% yearon- year to $42.51 million during the month of August 2011. THE LEBANESE BANKING SECTOR IN JULY 2011 The consolidated balance sheet of commercial banksMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:01:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-09-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-03-21.htmlLEBANON RANKED 5TH IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION IN 2011 WOMEN’S ADVANCEMENT INDEX According to MasterCard’s “Index of Women’s Advancement 2011” report, Lebanon ranked 5th in the Middle East region in the year 2011 with an index score remaining almost flat at 54.5 points over 100. BAYT.COM REPORT REVEALS THAT ONLY 2% OF LEBANESE ARE HIGHLY SATISFIED WITH THEIR SALARIES According to Bayt.com’s latest report titled “The Middle East Salary Survey” and published in March 2011, only 2% of surveyedMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:47:51 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-03-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-03-07.htmlLEBANON RANKS 28TH WORLDWIDE AND 3RD ON A REGIONAL BASIS IN TERMS OF OFFICE SPACE OCCUPANCY COST According to Cushman & Wakefield, office market around the globe showed signs of recovery during the year 2010, with the global office rents increasing by 1%. INDUSTRIAL EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY IN THE YEAR 2010 The Ministry of Industry conveyed a 26.82% annual expansion in Lebanon’s industrial exports to $3,291 million in the full year 2010, up from $2,595 million inMon, 07 Mar 2011 12:49:30 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-03-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-02-14.htmlBEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE THROUGH DECEMBER 2010 Deloitte conveyed a 5.3% annual expansion in revenue per available room (revPAR) for Beirut to $117.00 during the full year 2010, reporting as such the sharpest annual increase in the Middle East Region. THE LEBANESE BANKING SECTOR IN DECEMBER 2010 The consolidated balance sheet of commercial banks in Lebanon rose by 1.06% on a monthly basis to LBP 194,354 billion ($128.92 billion) as at the end of December 2010, up from LBP 192,315 billionMon, 14 Feb 2011 10:32:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-02-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-01-24.v02.htmlLEBANON RANKS 89TH IN TERMS OF FREEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD AND 9TH ON A REGIONAL BASIS The 2011 Index of Economic Freedom assigned Lebanon a score of 60.1 points for the year 2011 which positions it as the 89th freest economy in the world and 9th on a regional basis. LEBANON REPORTS UNIQUE PROGRESS CONCERNING BAYT.COM’S PCI INDEX Bayt.com’s “Middle East Consumer Confidence Index Survey” report for the month of December 2010 revealed that over the last 44 months since the base period (AprilMon, 24 Jan 2011 10:06:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-01-24.v02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-01-03.htmlLEBANON RANKS 86TH WORLDWIDE AND 1ST IN THE ARAB REGION IN THE 2010 DEMOCRACY INDEX According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s “2010 Democracy Index” report, Lebanon is considered to be the most democratic among Arab countries with a score of 5.82 in 2010. BEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE THROUGH OCTOBER 2010 According to Deloitte’s latest report on hotel Performance in the Middle East region, Beirut achieved some 8.4% annual increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) to $159.00 in the firstMon, 03 Jan 2011 11:22:09 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2011-01-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-12-06.htmlMon, 06 Dec 2010 05:45:36 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-12-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-29.htmlMon, 29 Nov 2010 04:58:48 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-29.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-15.htmlLEBANON RANKS FIRST IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA REGION IN OVERALL ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY MasterCard positioned Lebanon in the first place in the Middle East and Africa region along with Morocco in terms of “Overall Entrepreneurial Activity”, with 31% of Lebanese and Moroccans being involved in entrepreneurial activities. BAYT.COM RELEASES OCTOBER 2010 MIDDLE EAST JOBS INDEX SURVEY According to Bayt.com, the overall job market in the Middle East region is expected to remain steady in theMon, 15 Nov 2010 05:16:12 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-15.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-08.htmlWORLD BANK AND IFC RELEASE DOING BUSINESS 2011 REPORT The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have recently co-published and released the Doing Business 2011 report, which highlighted that Lebanon ranked 113th out of 183 countries, yet indicated that Lebanon recorded an overall improvement in the Ease of Doing Business score. LEBANON RANKED THIRD IN THE ARAB WORLD IN OVERALL ECONOMIC FREEDOM According to the Economic Freedom of the Arab World 2010 annual report, LebanonMon, 08 Nov 2010 05:17:49 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-01.htmlUNCTAD PUBLISHES INFORMATION ECONOMY REPORT 2010 According to the “Information Economy Report 2010 – ICTs, Enterprises and Poverty Alleviation” report published by UNCTAD, 17.76% of the Lebanese residents had access to fixed telephone lines during the year 2009. BALANCE OF TRADE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2010 Lebanon’s Higher Customs Council conveyed a $630 million annual expansion in Lebanon’s balance of trade deficit to $10.172 billion in the first nine months of 2010. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OFMon, 01 Nov 2010 11:37:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-11-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-10-18.htmlIMF RELEASES OCTOBER 2010 WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORT According to the IMF October 2010 World Economic Outlook report, the Lebanese economy is projected to grow by a real 8.0% and 5.0% in the years 2010 and 2011. SEVENTEEN LEBANESE BANKS RANKED AMONG THE TOP 150 ARAB BANKS According to the Union of Arab Banks, seventeen Lebanese banks ranked among the top 150 Arab banks in terms of consolidated balance sheet in 2009. LEBANON RANKS 49TH WORLDWIDE IN THE 2010 GLOBAL MICROSCOPE INDEX The EIU’sMon, 18 Oct 2010 05:29:19 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-10-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-10-04.htmlBASEL III STANDARDS STRESS ON TIGHTER DEFINITIONS OF TIER I CAPITAL The Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, recently approved the committee’s papers on banking supervision namely “Strengthening the Resilience of the Banking Sector” and “International Framework for Liquidity Risk Measurement, Standards and Monitoring”. LEBANON’S CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDICES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2010 According to the “ConsumerMon, 04 Oct 2010 05:10:30 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-10-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-09-27.htmlWORLD BANK RELEASES “FINANCIAL ACCESS 2010” REPORT According to the World Bank’s latest report titled “Financial Access 2010”, Lebanon enjoys 28.83 branches per 100,000 adults, qualifying it to rank 28th among covered countries. BEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE THROUGH JULY 2010 According to Deloitte’s latest report on hotel Performance in the Middle East region, Beirut achieved a 21.6% annual increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) to $164.90 in the first seven months of 2010. THE LEBANESEMon, 27 Sep 2010 04:44:06 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-09-27.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-09-20.htmlLEBANON RANKS 9TH IN TERMS OF ARAB OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE According to the World Bank’s latest report titled “Arab Development Assistance: Four Decades of Cooperation”, Lebanon received some $4.51 billion in aggregate Arab ODA over the period extending between 1973 and 2008. LEBANON RANKS 2ND IN THE REGION IN TERMS OF SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION According to Bayt.com’s latest report titled “Where are the Middle East’s Fresh Graduates Heading?”, 83% of surveyed LebaneseMon, 20 Sep 2010 04:58:36 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-09-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-09-06.htmlFREEDOM HOUSE REPORT POSITIONS LEBANON AS A “PARTLY FREE” COUNTRY IN LABOR FREEDOM According to Freedom House’s report titled “The Global state of Workers’ Rights: Free Labor in a Hostile World”, Lebanon is positioned among countries having a “Partly Free” labor rights environment. ACTIVITY ON THE BEIRUT STOCK EXCHANGE IN AUGUST 2010 According to the Beirut Stock Exchange’s (BSE) monthly bulletin, traded value for the month of August 2010 dropped sharply by 42.00% to $35.87 million. BALANCE OFMon, 06 Sep 2010 11:30:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-09-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-08-23.htmlBANQUE DU LIBAN'S RESERVES IN THE FIRST HALF OF AUGUST 2010 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) balance sheet depicts a 0.66% ($204.51 million) bi-weekly appreciation in Lebanon’s foreign assets (foreign currency reserves) portfolio to $31.18 billion in the first half of August 2010. BEIRUT PORT ACTIVITY THROUGH JULY 2010 The Beirut port freight activity was up by 5.80% y-o-y reaching 3,875,500 tons through July 2010. EVOLUTION OF CONSTRUCTION PERMITS AND CEMENT DELIVERIES Lebanon’s registeredMon, 23 Aug 2010 05:50:55 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-08-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-08-16.htmlBAYT.COM RELEASES JULY 2010 MIDDLE EAST JOBS INDEX SURVEY According to the July 2010 issue of the Middle East Jobs Index Survey published by Bayt.com, recruitment activity in Lebanon is projected to slow with the rate easing to 22% over the upcoming three months. BEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 According to Deloitte’s latest report on hotel Performance in the Middle East region, Beirut achieved a 28.4% annual increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) to $149.79 in theMon, 16 Aug 2010 05:00:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-08-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-08-02.htmlABL PRAISES THE LEBANESE BANKING SECTOR’S PERFORMANCE IN ITS 2009 ANNUAL REPORT According to the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL)’s annual report for the year 2009, the Lebanese banking sector has demonstrated strong resilience in the face of the propagating global financial and economic turmoil. PAYMENT CARDS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 According to Banque Du Liban statistics, the number of payment cards in Lebanon (debit and credit cards) rose to 1,683,095 cards as at the end of the firstMon, 02 Aug 2010 05:09:00 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-08-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-26.htmlLEBANON RANKS 4TH IN TERMS OF FDI INFLOWS IN THE REGION According to the 2010 World Investment report published by UNCTAD, Lebanon’s inward FDI rose by 10.87% to $4.804 billion in 2009 channeled particularly to the real estate sector. BEIRUT PORT ACTIVITY IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 The Beirut port freight activity rose by 5.26% y-o-y to 3.29 million tons in the first half of 2010. NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 According to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, the number of touristsMon, 26 Jul 2010 05:12:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-19.htmlBANQUE DU LIBAN'S RESERVES IN THE FIRST HALF OF JULY 2010 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) balance sheet depicts a 1.22% ($369.77 million) bi-weekly expansion in Lebanon’s foreign assets (foreign currency reserves) portfolio to $30.72 billion in the first half of July 2010. PAYMENT CARDS THROUGH MAY 2010 The number of payment cards in Lebanon (debit and credit cards) rose by an annual 3.42% to 1,669,082 cards in the first five months of 2010. TAX-FREE SHOPPING IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 According to theMon, 19 Jul 2010 11:08:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-12.htmlLEBANON’S CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDICES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 According to Bayt.com Consumer Confidence Index report for the month of June 2010, 38% of the surveyed Lebanese expect the Lebanese economy to prosper in the coming year. BEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE THROUGH MAY 2010 According to Deloitte’s latest report on hotel Performance in the Middle East, Beirut achieved a 25.9% annual increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) to $146.70 up to May 2010. THE LEBANESE BANKING SECTOR IN MAYMon, 12 Jul 2010 05:02:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-05.htmlLEBANON RANKS 88TH WORLDWIDE IN THE WOMEN’S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY INDEX The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Women Economic Opportunity Index assigned Lebanon a score of 41.9, which positions it 88th in the world and 25th on a continental basis. BUDGET DEFICIT THROUGH MAY 2010 Lebanon’s fiscal deficit (budgetary & treasury) tightened to $864 million in the first five months of the year 2010. BANQUE DU LIBAN'S RESERVES IN THE SECOND HALF OF JUNE 2010 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) balance sheetMon, 05 Jul 2010 04:18:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-07-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-28.htmlMINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER’S ELECTRICITY REFORMS APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT The Lebanese Government approved the electricity reform project presented by the Ministry of Energy and Water on June 21, 2010. Said project aims at alleviating the high spending burden by the Lebanese treasury on Electricité Du Liban. INDUSTRIAL EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY THROUGH APRIL 2010 The Ministry of Industry conveyed a 25.44% annual expansion in Lebanon’s industrial exports to $1,129 millionMon, 28 Jun 2010 12:24:08 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-21.htmlLEBANON’S MASTERINDEX OF CONSUMER PURCHASING PRIORITIES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 Lebanon’s MasterIndex of consumer purchasing priorities published by MasterCard MasterIndex shows that 54% of surveyed Lebanese plan to save less than the saving level realized 6 months earlier, while 25% are planning to maintain the same level and 22% are eager to save more. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS THROUGH APRIL 2010 The consolidated balance sheet of financial institutions in LebanonMon, 21 Jun 2010 04:32:04 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-14.htmlIMF CONCLUDES ARTICLE IV CONSULTATION WITH LEBANON In the aftermath of the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation mission in Lebanon, the Lebanese Central Bank Governor and the Lebanese Finance Minister indicated that the 2010 Article IV report reflects a positive outlook for the country’s economy. BEIRUT HOTEL PERFORMANCE THROUGH APRIL 2010 According to Deloitte, Beirut achieved a 27.0% annual increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) to $147.29 up to AprilMon, 14 Jun 2010 06:16:53 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-07.htmlTHE IMF LAUNCHES ITS MAY 2010 REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IN BEIRUT During the launching of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) May 2010 Regional Economic Outlook, the Lebanese Central Bank Governor praised the robust economic performance of Lebanon since the Doha Accord in 2008, projecting real growth to hover between 7% and 8% in 2010. BANQUE DU LIBAN'S RESERVES IN THE SECOND HALF OF MAY 2010 Banque Du Liban’s (BDL) balance sheet depicts a 0.42% ($125.35 million) bi-weekly appreciation inMon, 07 Jun 2010 12:14:50 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-06-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-31.htmlIMF RELEASES MAY 2010 REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORT According to the May 2010 Regional Economic Outlook report for the Middle East and Central Asia region published by the International Monetary Fund, growth in Lebanon is projected to hit 6% in 2010 and 4.5% in 2011. LEBANON’S MASTERINDEX OF CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2010 According to the MasterIndex of consumer confidence, Lebanon scored 44.6 points over 100 in terms of consumer confidence the first half of 2010.Mon, 31 May 2010 05:12:00 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-31.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-24.htmlABL Recommends Banks to Lower Benchmark Lending Rates The ABL’s Board of Directors urged Lebanese banks to reduce the Beirut Reference Rate on lending in Lebanese Pounds (LBP/BRR) to 7.72% and the Beirut Reference Rate on lending in U.S. Dollars (BRR/USD) to 4.88%. NUMBER OF TOURISTS THROUGH APRIL 2010 According to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, the number of tourists arriving to Lebanon rose markedly by 29.50% to 562,623 tourists during the first four months of 2010. INDUSTRIAL EXPORTS ANDMon, 24 May 2010 04:37:49 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-24.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-10.htmlTHE WORLD BANK HIGHLIGHTS LEBANON’S HIGH RANKINGS IN MEDIA FREEDOM According to the World Bank’s “Freedom of the Media in the Middle East and North Africa” brief, Lebanon has been praised for the prevailing high media freedom. BEIRUT AIRPORT ACTIVITY THROUGH APRIL 2010 Beirut International Airport (BIA) activity gained stimulus in the first four months of 2010, with the number of passengers rising by 18.24% to 1,511,546, including transit travelers. BALANCE OF TRADE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OFMon, 10 May 2010 05:07:37 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-10.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-04.htmlLEBANON RANKS 39TH WORLDWIDE IN THE 2009 CAPITAL ACCESS INDEX According to the Milken Institute’s eleventh issue of the “Capital Access Index – 2009” report, Lebanon ranks 39th among 122 countries in the capital access index. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN FEBRUARY 2010 The consolidated balance sheet of financial institutions in Lebanon rose by 0.20% on a monthly basis to LBP 1,491 billion ($989.38 million) in February 2010. CREDIT LIBANAIS GROUP’S FINANCIALTue, 04 May 2010 12:26:33 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-05-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-04-26.htmlIMF RELEASES APRIL 2010 WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORT According to the IMF’s April 2010 World Economic Outlook report, Lebanon’s growth is projected at 6% in 2010 and 4.5% in 2011. CAPITAL INTELLIGENCE UPGRADES CREDIT LIBANAIS, BANK AUDI, AND BLOM BANK RATINGS According to its latest rating update dated April 20, 2010, Capital Intelligence upgraded Bank Audi, BLOM Bank, and Credit Libanais’ foreign currency deposits rating to “B” while maintaining a “stable” outlook. ABL Recommends Banks toMon, 26 Apr 2010 05:00:16 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-04-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-04-19.htmlMOODY’S UPGRADES LEBANON’S  SOVEREIGN RATINGS TO “B1” According to its latest rating update report dated April 13, 2010, Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Lebanon’s government bond ratings to “B1” from “B2” with a “stable” outlook. LEBANON’S CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDICES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2010 According to “the Consumer Confidence Index March 2010 report” published by  Bayt.com, 26% of the surveyed people on Lebanese territories considered their current financial position asMon, 19 Apr 2010 15:08:48 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-04-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-04-12.htmlMOODY’S RELEASES MIDDLE EAST SOVEREIGN OUTLOOK FOR 2010 REPORT According to Moody’s Investors Service’s first issue of the “Middle East Sovereign Outlook” report, Middle East sovereign ratings remained relatively unchanged during the year 2009 with Lebanon being the only country to be upgraded. ITCH UPGRADES LEBANON’S SOVEREIGN DEBT RATING TO “B" According to its latest rating update report, Fitch Ratings has upgraded Lebanon’s long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs)Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:12:02 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-04-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-03-29.v04.htmlMOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE MAINTAINS A “STABLE” OUTLOOK FOR LEBANESE BANKS Moody’s Investors Service, the international rating agency, and during it latest report on the Lebanese banking sector maintained a “Stable” outlook assessment for five Lebanese banks. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN JANUARY 2010 The consolidated balance sheet of financial institutions in Lebanon rose by 2.90% on a monthly basis to LBP 1,489 billion ($987.41 million) in January 2010. INDUSTRIALMon, 29 Mar 2010 06:40:05 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/info@creditlibanais.com (Credit Libanais)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/market-view/weekly-market-watch/2010-03-29.v04.html