Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser Saudi Arabia eyes high-value investments from the U.S. New investment licences will allow 13 US companies to operate in the Saudi market Corporate governance: Someone to watch over me? Some firms are taking corporate governance more seriously, but more action from regulators may be needed to lift standards Deal-breakers: Value of M&A deals down by over half, with construction down 95% in 2017 Last year saw the announcement of 126 deals worth approximately $16 billion, compared to 129 deals in worth $37.8 billion in 2016, according to data from business intelligence firm Mergermarket. Abu Dhabi homes market faces another year of decline - report Increased supply renders short term rebound in rents or prices unlikely Loss leaders: GCC banks boost margins as bad loan losses are curbed - report Banks from across the Gulf region boosted margins last year, achieving average operating profit growth of 6 percent compared to revenue growth of just 2.3 percent Monthly markets round-up: Saudi's attempt to woo passive funds pays first big dividend About $2.2billion of investment into Saudi equities is expected, following Tadawul’s inclusion onto FTSE Russell’s secondary emerging market index. Market mover: Higher oil prices to swell Gulf equities' earnings growth Firms listed on Gulf equities markets are likely to grow net profits by around 3 percent year-on-year SPECIAL COVERAGE GCC GEARS UP FOR VAT SAUDI CROWN PRINCE TOURS U.S. Disclaimer: ZAWYA is committed to respecting your privacy. It is our intention to send messages only with your permission. You have received this message because you are on the ZAWYA database. To opt out of ZAWYA communications in the future, please click here to unsubscribe. Thomson Reuters, Office 101, Building No. 1, Dubai Media City, PO Box 1426, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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