The decline in Saudi Arabia’s net foreign assets slowed for a third month, helped by a rebound in oil prices as well as spending cuts and domestic bond sales. Net foreign assets held by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency fell 1 percent in March to $579 billion, the slowest pace of decline since July, indicating that the drain on currency reserves that began in 2014 is moderating. Net foreign assets dropped by $115 billion last year as Brent crude below $50 a barrel pummeled state finances, forcing officials to rein in spending and re-evaluate government projects. In December, authorities announced a series of economic measures, including subsidy cuts as well as plans to introduce value-added taxation. Brent crude prices recovered by 10 percent in March. The kingdom is also tapping more avenues to finance its budget in addition to domestic bond sales and drawing down on reserves. The government […]