Moody's: Middle East sovereign ratings to improve in 2010.

By bne IntelliNews February 25, 2010
The International ratings agency Moody's said Middle East sovereign ratings should improve this year given an improving global economy and growing investor confidence. However, it said Iran 's nuclear programme could pose a risk to the region. The credit ratings agency recently upgraded Saudi Arabia and Oman 's government bond ratings, citing their sound fiscal positions. None of the region's sovereign ratings were downgraded last year as most Middle East economies weathered the global economic downturn better than other economies. The agency said key developments to watch included oil prices and production levels, as well as the continuation of fiscal stimulus and bank lending conditions in the region.

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