Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) significantly reduced its US equity holdings by approximately $3 billion in Q3 2025, ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's critical White House visit. This strategic shift aligns with the fund's broader focus on domestic investments under Vision 2030.
- Jordan is actively coordinating with the Syrian government and the United States to stabilize southern Syria, particularly the Suwayda governorate, following a tripartite roadmap aimed at reconciliation and restoring security after deadly July clashes. However, an official source denied a visit by a Suwayda delegation to Jordan, emphasizing adherence to official channels for dialogue.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has entered discussions regarding a draft UN Security Council resolution for Gaza, which proposes a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body and an International Stabilization Force. The US-led initiative faces international pushback over key provisions, including the pathway to a Palestinian state.
- Greek gas firm DEPA Commercial has partnered with Ukraine's Naftogaz to supply US Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Ukraine from December 2025 to March 2026, as part of a long-term energy security agreement extending through 2050. This move integrates Ukraine into European LNG logistics via Greek terminals and the Vertical Corridor.
Saudi PIF Reduces US Equity Exposure Amid Strategic Realignments
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made a notable reduction in its US equity portfolio, cutting holdings by approximately $3 billion in the third quarter of 2025. The fund's US equity value decreased from nearly $10.12 billion in Q2 to $7.05 billion by September 30. This divestment included selling off exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and shares in companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, Canadian Natural Resources, and Cisco Systems.
The strategic trimming of US assets comes shortly before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's anticipated visit to Washington, scheduled for November 18, where he is expected to meet with President Donald Trump. Discussions during the visit are slated to cover critical areas including security, chip supply, nuclear plans, and future Saudi investments in the United States. The PIF, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, is increasingly focusing on domestic projects to reduce the kingdom's reliance on oil. The fund is expected to unveil its updated investment strategy for 2026-2030 early next year.
Jordan's Diplomatic Push for Stability in Southern Syria
Jordan is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, coordinating with both the Syrian government and the United States, to foster stability in southern Syria, particularly within the Suwayda governorate. These efforts are guided by a tripartite roadmap agreed upon in September 2025, which seeks to address the crisis following deadly sectarian clashes in July. The roadmap outlines measures to restore security, facilitate humanitarian aid, reinstate essential services, deploy security forces, and initiate reconciliation processes.
In a related development, the Jordan News Agency, citing an official source, denied reports of a delegation from Syria's Suwayda governorate visiting the Kingdom. This denial underscores Jordan's commitment to ensuring all relief and diplomatic activities are conducted in strict coordination with the Syrian government and through established official channels. Earlier, Jordan had rejected an Israeli request to transit aid to Suwayda through its territory, reinforcing its stance on coordinated humanitarian efforts. However, the Druze leadership in Suwayda has reportedly rejected the tripartite roadmap, citing inconsistencies and calling for international accountability.
Netanyahu Discusses UN Gaza Resolution Draft
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu temporarily departed a government session to engage in discussions with several officials regarding a draft UN resolution concerning Gaza. The United States has put forward a draft UN Security Council resolution that proposes a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body in Gaza and the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The proposed resolution aims to create a "Board of Peace" and a new Palestinian police force, with the goal of fostering a stable, secure, and prosperous future for Palestinians in Gaza, free from Hamas. However, the initiative has encountered resistance from Russia, China, and certain Arab nations, primarily over unresolved issues such as the path to an independent Palestinian state and a definitive timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Reports indicate that Israel was not initially provided with the draft resolution, and its Security Cabinet had not yet formally discussed the proposal.
Ukraine Secures US LNG Supplies via Greece
In a significant move to bolster its energy security, Greek gas firm DEPA Commercial SMSA has reached an agreement with Ukraine's state-owned Naftogaz to supply US Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Ukraine. The initial phase of deliveries is scheduled from December 2025 until March 2026. This immediate supply is part of a broader, long-term partnership that is expected to extend through 2050.
The agreement involves Atlantic-SEE LNG Trade SA, a new Greek company formed by Greece's Aktor Group and DEPA Commercial, which will facilitate the import of US LNG. This initiative aims to ensure stable LNG supplies for Ukraine, integrate its energy infrastructure into wider European LNG logistics routes, and establish a sustainable system for the storage and supply of American gas. Atlantic-SEE LNG Trade SA has also secured a long-term agreement with American LNG producer Venture Global for an annual volume of 0.7 billion cubic meters (bcm) starting in 2030. The LNG will be transported through Greek terminals and the Vertical Corridor, enhancing regional energy connectivity. Separately, Naftogaz has also signed a preliminary agreement with Poland's ORLEN SA (ORL) for the delivery of 300 million cubic meters of US LNG to Ukraine in Q1 2026, building on 450 million cubic meters already contracted for 2025.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.