CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ongoing political uncertainties in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are having a limited overall impact on U.S. multinational corporates, although exposure varies widely on a case-by-case basis, according to a Fitch Ratings report.
Some issuers have significant exposure to individual countries undergoing political upheaval, mainly in the energy, chemical and industrial sectors. The prospects for MENA economies continue to diverge. Muted growth in oil production will hold back headline GDP growth for oil exporters in 2014, although non-oil performance is expected to be robust.
Perceptions of higher headline risk associated with MENA investments has prompted issuers to decrease MENA operations, either to de-risk portfolios or demonstrate their public value.
The full report 'Middle East and North Africa: What North American Corporates are Saying in Q3' is available at 'www.fitchratings.com.' The report contains public statements by 12 issuers on their relative exposure to the MENA region.
Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.
Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Middle East and North Africa (MENA): What North American Corporates Are Saying in Q3
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=726581
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