Khaleej Times, Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022 | Jamadi Al Awwal 5, 1444
Strong credit growth reflects GCC's economic rebound
Emirates:
Credit growth in the GCC remained strong during third quarter 2022 despite
higher interest rates, underscoring strong economic activity and business
confidence in the region.
Manufacturing activity data from Bloomberg showed PMI figures well above the
growth mark of 50 for UAE and Saudi Arabia, whereas data for Qatar showed a
smaller growth during September-2022 at 50.7 points.
According to Kamco Invest, the marginal growth in credit off take in Qatar
mainly reflected completion of Fifa World Cup related projects, and new project
growth is expected to resume in 2023. An S&P report also showed that the event
is also expected to boost the economy of the broader GCC region as a result of
higher tourism and logistics related businesses.
In 2024, S&P expects lending to accelerate slightly from 2023 as investment
resumes. For Kuwait, S&P expects to see accelerated lending growth from stronger
economic growth and investment from the government.
“For the UAE, lending growth has sped up thanks to improving sentiment. In
2023-24, we expect to see slower overall lending growth in the region from the
expected slowdown in economic growth.”
The Kamco report added that Dubai is expected to see higher demand for real
estate in the current quarter as a result of the World Cup in Qatar. Data from
GCC central banks showed strong lending activity across the region, barring a
marginal decline in Qatar.
In Kuwait, outstanding credit facilities increased by 2.2 per cent during
Q3-2022 after seeing healthy lending growth in almost all sectors that more than
offset a decline in credit to trade and industry during the quarter. Data from
Saudi Central Bank also showed a 3.3 per cent growth in lending during the
quarter while credit facilities reported by Bahraini and Omani central banks
increased by 1.8 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively.
The credit sentiment survey from the UAE central bank showed continuation of
strong credit appetite, reflected in solid demand for both business and consumer
loans, coupled with banks and finance companies’ increased willingness to
provide credit. The report highlighted increasing customers’ sales and fixed
asset investment while positive outlook for the economy and the housing market
is expected to support demand for credit.
Lending activity remained robust during Q3-2022 resulting in record high loan
books at the end of the quarter. Aggregate gross loans reached $1.93 trillion,
up 1.2 per cent q-o-q and 6.5 per cent y-o-y, mainly led by strong growth across
the GCC, barring a marginal decline for Qatari banks. Aggregate net loans at the
end of the quarter reached $1.73 trillion registering a growth of 1.1 per cent
or $ 19.4 billion.
The GCC banking sector witnessed the initial positive effects of higher interest
rates implemented by GCC central banks following the rate hikes in the US. Net
interest income for listed banks in the GCC reached a record quarterly level at
$18.6 billion during Q3-2022 as compared to $17.2 billion during Q2-2022.