Economics
Saudi Lending to Private Sector Surges to Fastest Since 2016
- Bank loans to the private sector grew 8.5% annually in January
- Growth reflects investment activity as non-oil economy expands
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Lending to Saudi Arabia’s private sector grew at the fastest pace since May 2016, a sign the kingdom’s non-oil economy is sustaining momentum as businesses are borrowing again to invest.
Bank claims on the private sector rose 8.5% in January from a year earlier, after a gain of 7% in December. It rose a monthly 1.1%, according to data released on Thursday by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority.