FX.co ★ Saudi Arabia’s Private Sector Momentum Cools as Riyad Bank Composite PMI Slips in October

Business activity in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector lost some momentum in October, as the Riyad Bank Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) eased to 54.0 from 55.3 in September 2026.

The latest reading, updated on 03 November 2026, still comfortably exceeds the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction, signaling that the kingdom’s private sector continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous month. The moderation from September’s 55.3 suggests a deceleration in overall output and new business conditions, even as the broader expansionary trend remains intact.

Investors and analysts will be watching upcoming PMI releases closely for signs of whether October’s softer reading marks the start of a more prolonged cooling phase or a temporary pause within Saudi Arabia’s ongoing non-oil economic expansion drive.