Iraq Economic News And Points To Ponder Wednesday Evening 4-29-26
Iraq Ranks 82nd Globally With 8.4% Housing Price Ratio
2026-04-29 Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq ranked 82nd out of 104 countries in the 2025 housing price-to-income ratio index, marking a 0.1 percentage point increase from the previous year, according to World Population Review.
The report placed Iraq’s ratio at 8.4% with an affordability index of 1.2, compared with 8.3% and 1.1 in 2024.
Globally, Syria topped the list at 115.1%, followed by Cuba (48%), Ethiopia (47.1%), Cameroon (46.6%), and Sri Lanka (34.2%). Other countries near the top included Nepal (32.1%), Hong Kong (29.1%), China (28.5%), Vietnam (25.8%), and Thailand (23.1%).
At the lower end, Oman ranked 104th with a ratio of 3.1%, alongside Saudi Arabia, indicating relatively lower housing cost pressure relative to income. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-ranks-82nd-globally-with-8-4-housing-price-ratio
US Dollar Tops 180,000 Toman In Iran
2026-04-29 Shafaq News- Tehran The US dollar surpassed 180,000 toman in Iran's open market on Wednesday, an increase of nearly 8% from the previous day. According to Iran’s Donya-e-Eqtesad, the dollar had traded around 160,000 toman on Tuesday before closing near 165,000. One toman = 10 Iranian rials
https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/US-dollar-tops-180-000-toman-in-Iran
USD/IQD Exchange Rates Dip Slightly In Baghdad And Erbil At Closure
2026-04-29 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil The US dollar closed Wednesday’s trading lower in Iraq, hovering around 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars.
According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,450 dinars per 100 dollars, down from the previous session’s 153,750 dinars.
In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 154,000 dinars and bought it at 153,000 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 153,450 dinars and buying prices at 153,350 dinars.
Gold Prices Edge Lower In Baghdad And Erbil Markets
2026-04-29 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil On Wednesday, gold prices hovered around 990,000 IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to a Shafaq News market survey.
Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 986,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 982,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 1,005,000 IQD on Tuesday.
The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 956,000 IQD, with a buying price of 952,000 IQD.
In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 985,000 and 995,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 955,000 and 965,000 IQD.
In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 1,037,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 990,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 848,000 IQD. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-edge-lower-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-1-2
US Renews Calls For Dismantling Iran-Aligned Groups In Iraq After Three Reward Offers
2026-04-29 Shafaq News- Washington/ Baghdad The United States Department of State renewed its call for the dismantling of Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq, tying the issue directly to the future of the US-Iraq relationship, as Washington placed its third $10 million reward offer on a senior commander within roughly two weeks.
A State Department spokesperson, speaking on background, said that Washington had "spoken clearly to what is needed to dismantle the Iran-aligned militias in Iraq," adding that the United States stands with Iraqis working toward sovereignty, security, and a prosperous future.
The latest reward offer, announced through the Rewards for Justice program run by the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, targets Hashem Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Alaa al-Walae, leader of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada.
The program accused him of directing attacks on US diplomatic facilities and military personnel in Iraq and Syria, and of involvement in the killing of Iraqi civilians. Washington designated the group a Foreign Terrorist Organization in September 2025.
Ten days earlier, a $10 million reward was announced for Ahmad al-Hamidawi, leader of Kataib Hezbollah, over attacks on US diplomatic facilities in March 2026 and a sustained campaign against American personnel in Iraq.
A separate offer followed for Haydar al-Sa'adi, Secretary General of Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya —the group held responsible for the January 28, 2024, drone strike on Tower 22 in Jordan that killed three American service members.
All three men operate within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, the umbrella coalition of Iran-aligned factions that has claimed over 750 strikes on US targets since the outbreak of the 2026 US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Attacks attributed to its affiliated groups have struck the US Embassy in Baghdad, logistical support center at Baghdad International Airport, Harir Base, and Erbil Airport in the Kurdistan Region, and energy infrastructure across the country.
For Shafaq News, Mostafa Hashem, Washington, D.C.
Al-Marsoumi: Iraq Is At A Critical Economic Crossroads And Needs Competent Individuals And Political Support.
Time: 2026/04/29 {Economic: Al-Furat News} Economic expert, Nabil Al-Marsoumi, warned that the Iraqi economy is going through a phase that requires extensive reforms in light of the major challenges that will face the president and the next government.
Al-Marsoumi told Al-Furat News Agency that: “The economic reality is characterized by significant pressures, most notably limited liquidity, challenges in the oil sector, budget deficits, high rates of unemployment and poverty, and declining economic performance.”
He added, "The next government will not be able to change the reality on its own unless it has broad political support, and political forces must refrain from demands that may hinder its work and limit populist rhetoric that increases the burdens on the state."
Al-Marsoumi stressed that “Iraq stands today at an important crossroads in its economic path due to the magnitude of the challenges,” emphasizing “the importance of forming a government of competent individuals, far removed from quotas, capable of managing the current stage and addressing the economic crisis.”
https://alforatnews.iq/news/لمرسومي-العراق-أمام-مفترق-اقتصادي-حرج-يحتاج-كفاءات-ودعم-سياسي