Saudi non-oil economic growth hits 18-month high

Dubai

SAUDI Arabia's non-oil private sector grew at its fastest pace for 18 months in February as new orders of goods and services increased sharply, although employment growth slowed, a survey of companies showed on Sunday.

The seasonally adjusted Emirates NBD Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 57.0 last month from 56.7 in January. A level above 50 means business is expanding.