Saudi Aramco listing shines spotlight on reforming Saudi Arabia

Natural resource and population tailwinds

Within the emerging markets universe, Saudi Arabia brings a range of opportunities and distinct challenges.

Abundant natural resources, a young population, a future king with reformist intentions and a large and growing regional economy are attractive attributes for investors. However, these features need to be balanced against a range of risks - including the potential for social unrest, the vagaries of the oil market and geopolitical uncertainty. Geopolitical risks are rising - but oil markets dismiss them The recent listing of the Kingdom's state-owned energy giant Saudi Aramco brings into focus the efforts of the country to use its energy assets to diversify its economy beyond a ...