Jordan's treasury bills offer attractive yields compared with US and regional gulf markets, Standard Chartered said yesterday.
The one-year spreads between Jordanian treasury bills and the greenback, the Saudi Arabian riyal and UAE dirham are at 450 basis points, 367 and 360 respectively.
Jordan's central bank regularly auctions the sale of conventional treasury bills and bonds. It issued its latest three-year bond with a coupon of 7.3 per cent last month.
"These opportunities may be of interest to investors who share the view that the Jordanian dinar peg will not change in the year," said Sayem Ali, an economist at Standard Chartered.
The Jordanian dinar currently stands at US$1.41.
Public debt has increased to $17.3 billion, accounting for 58.7 per cent of GDP at the end of last year, according to a report published in May.
Higher wages and salaries raised the deficit to $503 million from January to May, an increase of 38 per cent from the same period last year.
This year's budget initially targeted a deficit of 5 per cent of GDP, the same level as last year. However, populist measures are likely to push it closer to 7 per cent, Mr Ali said.
Street protests have taken place in Jordan amid a wave of civil unrest that has spread through several Arab states and ousted leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.
The GCC has accepted Jordan's request for membership and the first round of talks begins this month.
"This will give Jordan preferential access to the lucrative GCC markets, bringing significant economic benefits," Mr Ali said.
Saudi Arabia has pledged grants totalling $1.4bn to Jordan's government of which $400m was released in April.
halsayegh@thenational.ae
The Transfiguration
Director: Michael O’Shea
Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine
Three stars
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
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Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now
Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Kevin Hart
3/5 stars