Saudi PIF and its Commercial Paper Programs Earn S&P’s A-1 Short-term Credit Rating with Stable Outlook

The Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters file photo
TT

Saudi PIF and its Commercial Paper Programs Earn S&P’s A-1 Short-term Credit Rating with Stable Outlook

The Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters file photo
The Saudi capital Riyadh. Reuters file photo

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Monday that S&P Global Ratings has assigned it an inaugural short-term credit rating of A-1 with stable outlook, which reflects PIF’s robust balance sheet, strong liquidity position, and disciplined financial management. The short-term credit rating is in line with Saudi Arabia’s short-term rating.

According to a statement issued by PIF, S&P assigned the same A-1 credit rating to PIF’s US and European commercial paper programs, which PIF established in June 2025 to further enhance its short-term funding flexibility and liquidity diversification.

“This rating highlights the strength of PIF’s balance sheet and the sophistication of our liquidity management framework,” said PIF’s Head of Capital Finance Strategy Ziyad Alfawzan.

“It enables us to broaden access to short-dated markets, diversify our investor base, and reinforce the depth of our credit quality and funding flexibility, positioning PIF among leading global issuers recognized for disciplined and diversified balance sheet management,” he added.

According to the statement, PIF’s credit ratings highlight its financial strength and the confidence in its long-term strategy, which prioritizes value creation, capital efficiency and the safeguarding of long-term returns.

PIF is now one of a few sovereign wealth funds to hold ratings from all three major credit rating agencies. It has received a long-term rating of Aa3 and a short-term rating of P-1 with a stable outlook from Moody’s, a long-term rating of A+ and a short-term rating of F1+ with a stable outlook from Fitch, as well as a short-term rating of A-1 with a stable outlook from S&P.

PIF is one of the world’s most impactful investors, further developing key sectors and opportunities that shape the global economy, deliver returns, and drive the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia.



Egypt Imposes Business Curfew to Counter Soaring Fuel Costs

Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
TT

Egypt Imposes Business Curfew to Counter Soaring Fuel Costs

Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)

Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants and shopping malls to close from 9:00 pm from Saturday, hoping to curb energy bills that have more than doubled because of the Iran war.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the curfew and said it would last for a month initially.

"Shops, shopping centers, restaurants and cafes will all close at 9:00 pm on weekdays," he said, adding that on Thursdays and Fridays at the weekend they will be allowed to stay open until 10:00 pm, Reuters reported.

The premier said that before the war, Egypt's monthly energy bill was $560 million. Today, for the same quantity, he said Egypt is paying $1.650 billion.

Madbouly said Cairo must work on the "worst-case scenario" in the face of a war whose outcome is unpredictable.

Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said the new restrictions "will not affect tourists" or flagship destinations, a statement from his office said.

At the beginning of March, Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial shipping route now virtually paralysed by the war.

Around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the waterway in peacetime.

The rerouting of shipping away from the Suez Canal is also depriving Cairo of a vital source of foreign currency.


Turkish Central Bank Forex Sales since Start of Iran War Close to $45 Billion

Turkish Central Bank (official website)
Turkish Central Bank (official website)
TT

Turkish Central Bank Forex Sales since Start of Iran War Close to $45 Billion

Turkish Central Bank (official website)
Turkish Central Bank (official website)

The Turkish Central Bank's balance sheet for this week will show foreign exchange sales amounting to near $20 billion, bringing the total forex sales since the beginning of the Iran war to nearly $45 billion, bankers said, Reuters reported.

According to calculations made by four bankers, based on preliminary data for the first part of the week and their estimates for the rest of the week, the central bank's balance sheet will show $18-21 billion in foreign exchange sales.

Bankers said that although $8 billion of the total $20 billion was made before a public holiday last week, this figure will be reflected in the balance sheet on the first day of this week.

The central bank sold $26 billion in foreign exchange in the first three weeks of the war, using its gold reserves as well, resulting in a $35 billion decrease in its net reserves.


Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port

Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port
TT

Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port

Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the RSX service by Marsa Ocean Shipping to Jeddah Islamic Port, featuring a capacity of up to 372 TEUs and connecting Jeddah with the regional ports of Aden, Hodeidah, and Djibouti, SPA reported.

This expansion aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aiming to enhance the Kingdom’s operational efficiency and its ranking in global performance indicators.

As a primary gateway, Jeddah Islamic Port utilizes its 62 multipurpose berths and specialized terminals to support a total capacity of 130 million tons, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.