Arab Finance: The week ended July 9th witnessed a group of viral economic and business news, topped by Egypt's net international reserves rising at the end of June and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raising the country's GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2026/2027.
The top 10 news stories of the week from July 5th to 9th are as follows:
1. Egypt’s NIR climbs to $55B end-June: CBE
Egypt's net international reserves (NIR) increased to $55.072 billion at the end of June 2026, up 3.65% from $53.134 billion at the end of May, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).
2. Egypt's June PMI falls to lowest in nearly 3.5 years
Egypt's non-oil private sector witnessed its sharpest decline in nearly three-and-a-half years during June, with the S&P Global Egypt Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recording 46.0 from 47.1 in May, according to the latest PMI survey.
3. FRA announces clearing fees for futures trading on EGX
The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) greenlighted the fee structure for clearing and settlement services related to futures contracts traded on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), according to a statement.
4. Egypt’s annual headline inflation records 12.2% in June: CAPMAS
Egypt's annual inflation rate declined to 12.2% in June 2026, down from 13% in May, according to data released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).
5. IMF raises Egypt's FY2026/27 GDP growth forecast to 4.6%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its forecast for Egypt's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the current fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027 to 4.6%, up 0.4% from its April projections, according to the July 2026 update of its World Economic Outlook (WEO).
6. Egypt secures up to $2B in new Chinese investments in H1 2026
Chinese investments in Egypt during the first half (H1) of 2026 are estimated at between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, with most of the inflows coming from expansions of existing projects rather than entirely new investments, Mostafa Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of the China Committee at the Egyptian Businessmen's Association (EBA), told Al Arabiya Business.
7. CIB raises Premium CDs annual return to 18%
Commercial International Bank Egypt (CIB) has raised the rate on its three-year premium certificates of deposit (CDs) by 50 basis points to an 18% annual return, according to a statement.
8. EY eyes expanding consulting footprint in Egypt
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Eissa met with a delegation from Ernst & Young MENA (EY MENA) to discuss the firm's plans to expand its consulting business in Egypt, as per a statement.
9. B Investments Holding exits Infinity solar power projects for $8.25M
B Investments Holding’s board approved exiting from the Infinity Solar power projects (Infinity Solar 1, 2, and 3) for a total consideration of $8.25 million, according to a statement.
10. Hassan Allam Holding eyes listings for select subsidiaries on EGX, Gulf bourses
Hassan Allam Holding Group is considering listing some of its subsidiaries on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) or Gulf stock exchanges, while ruling out plans to list the holding company itself, Chairman and CEO Hassan Allam said on the sidelines of the 18th BMG Economic Forum at the London Stock Exchange.
