Middle East scores continue to flounder – doubly so with North Africa included – in light of attenuated risk profiles for low-scoring Syria and Yemen, both riven by instabilities, and with confidence in Bahrain slipping, to highlight the effects of political and social instabilities.
The latter’s fiscal position is more challenging than other Gulf sovereigns, with consolidation needed to restore public debt sustainability after increased spending to pacify social unrest last year. Israel, by contrast, in 32nd spot on a score of 66.5, is the notable improver in the region since June, buttressed by its currency stability and fiscal conservatism.
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