The AMF’s Composite Index of Arab Capital Markets recorded a slight decline of 0.06% at the end of February 2025, due to decreased performance in seven Arab exchanges, while six markets saw an improvement in their performance indicators.

Arab financial markets ended February 2025 with a varied performance, mirroring global markets that were affected by rising concerns over a slowdown in the U.S. economy, geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, increasing market valuations, and uncertainty stemming from trade wars and tariff hikes. The energy sector also posted negative performance, as crude oil prices declined due to oversupply.

Performance of Arab Stock Exchanges:

These initiatives reflect the institute’s commitment to enhancing expertise in economics and finance. The courses focused on improving participants’ abilities in economic data analysis, financial policy development, and addressing current economic challenges. They also highlight the AMF’s dedication to providing an advanced learning environment that meets the evolving needs of Arab financial and economic institutions.

The Arab Monetary Fund reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality training programs that strengthen technical competencies and support sustainable economic development in the Arab region.

On this occasion, Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, emphasized the critical role Arab central banks play in promoting financial stability. He praised their efforts in assessing systemic risks, enhancing the resilience of the banking sector to shocks, developing regulations and precautionary policies, and implementing best international standards and practices.

Dr. Alturki also highlighted the strong interest of the Governors of Arab Central Banks in the task force’s activities and the vital role it plays in facilitating the exchange of expertise and experiences among Arab countries. He commended the team’s outstanding efforts in preparing and developing the Financial Stability Report, which strengthens regional cooperation and contributes to achieving sustainable economic stability.

The AMF also launched an executive program in collaboration with Harvard University on financial market supervision, which will run until June 2025. The program is designed to deepen understanding of financial policies and market regulation, with a particular focus on technological advancements and digital innovation in the financial sector.

Through these initiatives, the Arab Monetary Fund reaffirms its ongoing commitment to developing Arab talent as a capacity-building institution, supports efforts to achieve financial stability and economic growth, and enhances the competitiveness of Arab economies in global markets.

The announcement by FTSE Russell of the quarterly review results for emerging market indices - which included the addition of new Arab companies to the index - played a significant role in supporting the performance of several Arab stock exchanges. Arab exchanges continued their efforts to expand market bases by upgrading companies from secondary and parallel markets to the main markets.

On the other hand, four Arab stock exchanges saw declines in performance due to weaker activity in key sectors, particularly telecommunications and basic materials. The commercial and consumer services sectors also  

faced downturns in several exchanges, negatively impacting trading volumes.

The report covers key economic developments in Arab countries during 2023, with a focus on the impact of global economic conditions on the region. It includes an integrated analysis of the performance of major economic sectors, such as oil and energy, public finance, foreign trade, and financial markets. In addition, it evaluates balance of payments, external public debt, and exchange rates, offering a clear view of the economic challenges and opportunities facing Arab countries.

In a forward-looking approach aligned with global trends, the report features a key chapter titled: "Digital Transformation in Arab Economies: Opportunities and Challenges." This chapter explores the importance of digital transformation as a pivotal factor for economic growth and sustainable development, while highlighting the challenges Arab countries face in accelerating digital transformation and adopting modern technologies.