GCC Macro Daily(Beta Mode)
Houthi Strikes on Aramco Test Saudi Resilience
Market Snapshot
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Aramco | 25.28 | +0.24% |
| MSCI Saudi | 36.22 | +0.30% |
| MSCI UAE | 19.55 | -1.31% |
| MSCI Qatar | 16.29 | +0.49% |
| MSCI Kuwait | 36.34 | +0.14% |
| Brent Crude | 100.59 | -1.62% |
| WTI Crude | 89.64 | -1.61% |
| Gold | 4,157.40 | -0.12% |
| USD/SAR | 3.75 | +3.42% |
| USD/AED | 3.67 | +0.03% |
| USD/KWD | 0.31 | -0.01% |
| Bitcoin | 85,570.33 | -1.05% |
Prior Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| No events available | |||
Japan Long-Term Interest Rate | Type: macro_line | Yield %: 2.94 (2026-08-01) | Range: 0.05–2.94 | Trend(6pt): 0.05,0.49,0.725,1.5,2.79,2.94
Today's Economic Events
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| No events available | |||
- Houthi claims of attacks on Aramco facilities raise supply risks amid U.S.-Iran tensions.
- Saudi non-oil economy expands in September on domestic orders while UAE maintains growth.
- MSCI Saudi rises 0.30% as MSCI UAE falls 1.31%; Brent drops 1.62% to 100.59.
Yesterday's Recap
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy expanded in September, driven by stronger domestic orders that underscore ongoing diversification momentum under Vision 2030. Houthis claimed ballistic-missile and drone strikes on Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Khurais, stating the attacks achieved objectives in retaliation for Saudi raids in Yemen. Equity markets reacted with Saudi Aramco advancing 0.24% to 25.28 and MSCI Saudi gaining 0.30% to 36.22, while MSCI UAE declined 1.31% to 19.55.
Brent crude fell 1.62% to 100.59 and WTI slipped 1.61% to 89.64 as Saudi Arabia and six OPEC+ peers held output targets unchanged. USD/SAR jumped 3.42% to 3.75 while USD/AED edged 0.03% higher. Non-oil sectors in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE sustained their growth trajectory despite the Iran war backdrop.
Heightened security measures around energy infrastructure were evident across the GCC. MSCI Qatar advanced 0.49% to 16.29 and MSCI Kuwait edged up 0.14% to 36.34. Gold slipped 0.12% to 4,157.40.
Bitcoin declined 1.05% to 85,570.33. USD/KWD eased 0.01% to 0.31. No notable volume spikes were reported.
The Day Ahead
No economic data releases, central-bank decisions, or sovereign auctions are scheduled for October 5-6. Markets will track any escalation in Houthi activity or U.S.-Iran developments that could affect oil supply perceptions. OPEC+ production discipline remains central to fiscal balance projections for all six members.
Investors will monitor equity flows into Aramco and regional ETFs amid elevated geopolitical risk premia. Central banks are expected to maintain steady policy communication aligned with Fed guidance. Security posture across the Gulf remains elevated, with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other GCC states maintaining heightened vigilance around energy assets and maritime routes.
Other Economic Notes
Saudi Arabia’s economy continues to advance on oil revenue strength combined with non-oil diversification progress. UAE non-oil private sector activity has moved past mid-year slowdowns, though the rebound remains uneven across the broader Gulf. Saudi remittance outflows are supporting regional flows while UAE and Malaysia record declines.
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