Recent Study: Kuwait Business Forecast Report Q3 2014

We expect the Kuwaiti economy to perform relatively well over 2014, and retain our forecast for real GDP growth of 2.9%, from an estimated 3.0% in 2013. After a long period of stagnation, the Kuwaiti investment outlook appears to be improving, while the prospects for consumption remain bright. However, we again highlight Kuwait's ever-volatile political situation as the key downside risk to economic activity.

Kuwait has seen a flurry of populist legislation recently, including several measures specifically targeting expatriate workers. This runs the risk of increasing uncertainty within the private sector, as well as cementing perceptions of the country as a hub of policy instability. We expect some tensions to remain between the government and the legislative branch, even with the election of a renewed 'loyalist' parliament.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/807662_kuwait_business_forecast_report_q3_2014.aspx?afid=301

We forecast average consumer price inflation for Kuwait of 3.0% and 3.5% for 2013 and 2014 respectively, up from 2.9% in 2012. While we expect a slight fall in Kuwaiti food inflation over the near term on the back of lower global prices, a tight supply picture in the real estate market will fuel housing inflation over the coming quarters, in a trend seen across the GCC.

Key Risks To Outlook

As ever, given the economy's heavy dependence on oil, any sustained downturn in global energy prices would prove disastrous.

That said, Kuwait has the financial wherewithal to cope with any short-term volatility in oil prices, and therefore the underlying risks in this regard are minimal.

Our forecasts assume that the implementation of the government's development plans will be slow owing to the impact of bureaucratic gridlock. However, the state certainly has the firepower to move forward with its capital spending plans if political compromises can be reached. Furthermore, a renewed loyalist parliament, following legislative elections in July 2013, offers the prospect of an acceleration of long-delayed economic reforms and infrastructure projects. Any improvement on this front would pose upside risks to our growth forecasts, as well as downside risks to our budget surplus projections.

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- Oman and Yemen Business Forecast Report Q3 2014
- Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo Business Forecast Report Q3 2014
- Brazil Business Forecast Report Q3 2014
- Chile Business Forecast Report Q3 2014
- Hong Kong Business Forecast Report Q3 2014