Gulf Countries Go on Borrowing Binge in January With Asia Help

Gulf countries accelerated bond issuance in January as investors shifted toward emerging markets. The increase was partly driven by Asian demand, with Chinese banks making it to the roster of deal managers amid waning influence from US lenders.

Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council issued $32.3 billion of international bonds since the start of the year, about 25% more than in January 2025, according to Bloomberg calculations.