The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its economic growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa this year, despite a gloomy global prediction. The regional economy is now expected to grow by 3.4%, up from 3.1% in April. Globally, growth is forecast at 3.1%, compared to 3.2% three months ago. IMF largely blames the negative outlook on Brexit, saying the financial and oil markets started recovering earlier this year, under the assumption that the UK would remain in the EU.

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