Oman

Our latest oil price forecasts have driven us to revise down our projections for Oman's current account balance: we now see it remaining in surplus through 2006 (23.0% of GDP), 2007... 2007-03-07

BMI View: Still high inflation underscores our concerns about Oman's pullout from the planned GCC currency

We see real GDP expansion of around 4.6% for 2006, but now expect this to slow only to 4.4% in 2007 (as opposed to our previous forecast of 4.1%). Thereafter we see a brief jump back... 2007-02-06

Although our overall view of Oman remains one of lasting stability, we have some concerns that the country's decision to withdraw from the proposed currency union could cause some... 2007-02-06

BMI View: The S&P decision to upgrade Oman's long-term foreign currency ratings from A- to A is of course good news, and supports our overall positive view of the country. However,... 2007-01-25

BMI View : We believe that a GCC currency union will take place in either 2010, or potentially 2012. However we have reservations about the long-term sustainability of a single... 2007-01-18

BMI View: The fact that all remains quiet on the political front in Oman is good news, and the receding possibility of a military conflict between the US and neighbouring Iran will... 2006-12-13

Oman's decision to opt out of monetary union is significant, not so much in the act itself, but in the comments it drew from GCC finance ministers, particularly the Saudi minister,... 2006-12-13

BMI View: We envisage a fairly precipitous decline in Oman's balance of payments, as lower oil prices and slowing production eat away at the main source of revenues. Without export-boosting... 2006-12-08

BMI View: Oil price declines have been priced in, and in any case will not be drastic enough to cause any serious problems for the Omani economy. However, to lift trend growth, the... 2006-11-09