Lebanon’s Banks Are Quietly Seeing Billions of Dollars Return
Billions of dollars are once again sitting inside Lebanese banks, while nearly $1 billion in fresh-dollar checks have passed through Lebanon’s new banking system since it was introduced.
Economy
Lebanon Is Trying Again for an IMF Deal After Years of Stalled Reform
Lebanon is making another push for an IMF agreement, more than four years after its original $3 billion deal stalled because key reforms were never completed.
The U.S. Is Releasing Another 40 Million Barrels of Emergency Oil
The United States is releasing another 40 million barrels of crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve as the Iran war continues to reshape global energy markets.
Lebanon’s Cost of Living Is Climbing Again
Fuel prices are rising, inflation remains in double digits, electricity and household energy costs are climbing, and workers are once again demanding wages and transport allowances that keep pace.
Middle East Oil Exports Are Recovering Much Faster Than Expected, but the System Remains Fragile
Middle Eastern crude exports are rebounding sharply, reaching around 16.3 million barrels per day in September, the highest since the Iran conflict began and nearly 80% of pre-war levels.
Lebanese Buyers Are Standing Out in Paris Real Estate, Leading Foreign Purchases in the 16th Arrondissement
Lebanese nationals are now the largest group of foreign property buyers in Paris’s prestigious 16th arrondissement, ahead of Chinese and American purchasers.
Housing Loans Are Set to Make a Comeback in Lebanon After Years of Suspension
Lebanon appears increasingly close to relaunching state-backed housing loans after years of suspension. The Public Corporation for Housing is seeking $100 million to finance loans for around 1,400 families, with a proposed 20% down payment and interest rate of roughly 3.5%.