Financial inflows to Lebanon increased by 15.9% to reach $7.7 billion

Financial inflows increased by a yearly 15.9% to reach US$ 7.7 billion in the first half of 2012 relative to the weak base of US$ 6.6 billion during the same period of 2011. It is worth noting that financial inflows were on an upward path from a low base during last year’s same period. Still, their increase slowed down from previous periods of this year within the context of developments that occurred recently.
Capital flowing into Lebanon can take several forms, ranging from non-resident deposit inflows, to inward remittances, cash transfers from tourists and FDI inflows. Non-resident deposits went up by US$ 1.0 billion during the half of this year, a rise slower than the US$ 1.4 billion increase reported in the same period of 2011. With regards to remittances, no data has been published but they should sustain a sufficient growth as the regional and local political dust settles and confidence in the banking sector remains relatively unscathed.
Lebanon Weekly Monitor – Bank Audi
5 August