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September 1998

Arab 100 1998: Waiting for the after-shock


Banks in the Middle East and North Africa generally performed well in 1997 despite hits in the second half from falling oil prices and Asian economic turmoil. Even where oil economies have successfully diversified, though, 1998 looks like being a tougher prospect. Banks in the region will therefore need to look harder at consolidation and cost-cutting. Andrew Beikos and Anthony Christofides report.


Top 100 Arab Banks: the Arab 100
Top 100 Arab Banks: Capital growth year-on-year
Top 100 Arab Banks: Asset growth year-on-year
Top 100 Arab Banks: Profit growth year-on-year
Top 100 Arab Banks: ROE growth
Top 100 Arab Banks: Methodology and Definitions

Banks in the Middle East and North Africa turned in yet another impressive performance in 1997. They benefited from propitious regional and international operating environments in the first half of last year. In the second half, though the Asian financial crisis overshadowed the business climate, the banks emerged generally unscathed. Overall, the top 100 Arab banks' combined net profits increased by a healthy 15.5% to $5.5 billion in 1997, generating returns on assets and equity of 1.3% and 14.4% respectively.

The banks will now have to contend with the continuing low oil prices and the full effects of the turmoil in the Asian financial markets....


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