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☆ Gulf bourses mixed as China pessimism offsets higher oil prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/ File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 12 (Reuters) - Gulf stock markets put in a mixed performance on Sunday as higher oil prices were offset by worries of faltering demand from China, the world's top crude importer. Oil prices - a major driver of Gulf financial markets - rose about 2% on Friday as Iraq voiced support for OPEC+ oil cuts ahead of a meeting of the group on Nov. 26. The retailer reported a third-quarter net loss of 202.9 million riyals ($54.1 million) compared to a net profit of 21.1 million riyals a year earlier. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) fell 1.7%, with Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA) down 2.5% and Misr Fertilizer (MFPC.CA) losing 4.6%. However, Credit Agricole Egypt (CIEB.CA) gained 3.7% as the lender reported a 121% jump in third quarter consolidated net profit.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, Brent, Masraf Al Rayan, Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co, Md Manzer Hussain, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, OPEC, Qatar, Saudi Telecom, Human Resources, Commercial International Bank, Misr, Agricole Egypt, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, China, Iraq, Saudi

☆ Gulf bourses drop amid hawkish Fed tone, Mideast conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 22 (Reuters) - Stock markets in the Gulf fell on Sunday amid warnings of possible further interest rate hikes from the U.S Federal Reserve, and worries of escalation in the Middle East conflict. Monetary policy in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is usually guided by Fed policy decisions because most regional currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) was down for a third consecutive session, ending 1.5% lower, with all sectors in the red. Elm Company (7203.SE) dropped 2.3%, while Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), the world's largest Islamic bank by assets, slipped 2.1%. The Qatari index (.QSI) fell for a fifth straight session, ending 0.9% lower, with Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) dropping 2.2% and Qatar Navigation (QNNC.QA) sliding 3%.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, Jerome Powell, Talaat Mostafa, Md Manzer Hussain, David Holmes Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, Stock, U.S Federal Reserve, Gulf Cooperation Council, U.S ., Elm Company, Al Rajhi Bank, Industries Qatar, Qatar Navigation, Qatar National Bank, Eastern Co, Gaza, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, Saudi, Israel, Lebanon, Syria

☆ Major Gulf bourses drop amid surging Gaza-Israel conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Mohammed Salem Acquire Licensing RightsOct 8 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf tumbled on Sunday amid worries that rising conflict between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel threatens to spiral. The index was dragged down by losses in all sectors, with Lumi Rental (4262.SE) down 5% and Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication (7040.SE) dropping 5.3%. Saudi Aramco Base Oil (2223.SE) (Luberef)dropped 6.8% and the world's largest Islamic bank by assets, Al Rajhi Bank(1120.SE) slipped 2.1%. The Qatari index (.QSI) fell for a third straight session, ending 0.6% lower, with most sectors in the red. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) plunged 2.6%, the steepest drop in nearly three months.

Persons: Mohammed Salem, Md Manzer Hussain, Bernadette Baum Organizations: REUTERS, Lumi, Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication, Saudi Aramco Base Oil, Al Rajhi Bank, . Industries Qatar, Commercial Bank, Commercial International Bank, Finance, Digital, Financial, Telecom Egypt, Fawry Banking, Thomson Locations: Gaza City, Palestinian, Israel, Gaza, East, Saudi

☆ Major Gulf bourses fall amid China gloom
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FILE PHOTO-Traders wait at the Bahrain Bourse after Joe Biden won the U.S. presidency, in Manama, Bahrain, November 8, 2020. The Qatari index (.QSI) fell for a third consecutive session, ending 0.1% lower, with most sectors in the red. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) was down 0.3%, with a 1.3% slump in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). The world's biggest oil company is considering selling a stake worth as much as $50 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) dropped 0.8%, snapping its winning streak from the six previous sessions, with most sectors in the red.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, Md Manzer Hussain, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, Qatar National Bank, Commercial Bank, Saudi Aramco, Wall Street, Saudi Basic Industries, Saudi Iron and Steel Company, Public Investment Fund, International Bank, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, China, Saudi, El

☆ Qatar stock market ends higher, Saudi extends losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

An electronic board displaying data is seen at the Doha Stock Exchange in Doha, Qatar January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File PhotoAug 6 (Reuters) - Qatar stock market closed higher on Sunday in response to rising oil prices amid supply cuts by top producers, while the Saudi index ended lower on weaker corporate earnings. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) advanced 0.2%, ending two sessions of losses, with Baladna (BLDN.QA) climbing 3% and Qatar Fuel (QFLS.QA) gaining 1%. The index heavyweight Islamic banks Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) and Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB.QA) added 2.2% and 1.1% respectively. The food products distributor Halwani reported higher losses in second quarter compared to a year earlier.

Persons: Al Omari, Halwani, Md Manzer Organizations: Doha Stock Exchange, REUTERS, Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Savola, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Russia, El Gadida, El

☆ Gulf bourses end mixed on China growth concerns
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

China on Tuesday cut two benchmark lending rates by 10 basis points each. Dubai's benchmark index (.DFMGI) extended losses to a second straight session, ending 0.3% lower. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) inched up 0.1%, with Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Services (4013.SE) rising 0.7% and Company for Cooperative Insurance (8010.SE) climbing 2.3%. "Oil prices remained volatile as Chinese economic recovery continues to fuel concerns among traders, affecting oil demand expectations," said Daniel Takieddine, CEO MENA at BDSwiss. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) fell 0.4%, extending previous session losses with financial and materials sectors trading in the red.

Persons: Dr Sulaiman Al, Daniel Takieddine, Brent, Md Manzer Hussain, Eileen Soreng Organizations: Emaar, Emirates Central Cooling Systems, Emirates, Qatar National Bank, Ezdan, Habib Medical Services, Company, Cooperative Insurance, Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals, Alpha, Commercial International Bank, Ezz, Thomson Locations: Dubai, Qatar, Saudi, Abu Dhabi, China, Beijing, Alpha Dhabi, Burjeel

☆ Qatar stock market ends lower, Egypt rises
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-18 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) dropped 0.1%, extending its losses to a second session with Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA) falling 0.2% and Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) shedding 1.1%. Among the losers, Lesha Bank (QFBQ.QA) and Dukhan Bank (DUBK.QA) lost 1.1% and 1.3% respectively. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) added marginally as losses in energy and financial sectors countered gains in most of the sectors. Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Services (4013.SE) climbed 2.5% and Mouwasat Medical Services (4002.SE) surged 6.1%. However, Riyad Bank (1010.SE) and the world's largest Islamic bank by assets Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) lost 2.1% and 0.7% respectively.

Persons: Christopher Waller, Dr Sulaiman Al, Md Manzer Hussain, David Evans Organizations: . Federal, United Arab, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Lesha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Habib Medical Services, Mouwasat Medical Services, Riyad Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, Co, International Finance Corporation, IFC, Thomson Locations: United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi, El

☆ Major Gulf bourses end lower on falling oil prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 11 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Sunday in response to falling oil prices and weaker-than-expected Chinese economic data. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) dropped 0.5%, extending its losses to a second session. The index recorded a drop in all sectors with Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA) falling 0.6% and Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB.QA) shedding 0.7%. However, the oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) and the kingdom's biggest bank Saudi National Bank (1180.SE) lost 0.3% and 0.9% respectively. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) climbed 1.3%, extending its previous session gains.

Persons: Md Manzer Hussain, Ros Russell Organizations: Saudi, Gulf's, Qatar National Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Bank Aljazira, Saudi Industrial Investment Group, Saudi Aramco, Saudi National Bank, Fawry Banking, Thomson Locations: Saudi

☆ Qatar leads Gulf bourses higher on hopes of Fed rate pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 26 (Reuters) - Qatar's stock market closed higher on Sunday, outperforming other bourses in the Gulf region, as expectations of a pause in rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve lifted investor sentiment. The Fed raised its main interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday, but signaled it would consider a pause in light of banking system stresses. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) climbed 1.2%, extending its rally to a third straight session. The index recorded an advance in all sectors, with the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA) rising 3.1% and Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) adding 2.7%. The index was lifted up by a 15.1% jump in Sidi Kerir (SKPC.CA) and a 7% rise in Fawry Banking (FWRY.CA).

☆ Most Gulf markets rise in early trade; Fed meeting in focus
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 22(Reuters) - Most Stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Wednesday, mirroring gains in global peers ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, as worries on a banking crisis eased. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) rose 0.7%, with gains in most sectors, led by finance and industry. The region's largest bank Qatar National Bank and Qatar International Islamic Bank gained 0.6% and 1.5% respectively, while conglomerate Industries Qatar climbed 2.9%. In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark stock index (.FTFADGI) was up 0.2%, aided by a 1.7% gain in Alpha Dhabi Holding and 0.9% rise in First Abu Dhabi Bank, the largest lender in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai's benchmark stock index (.DFMGI) fell 0.3% in early trade, weighed down by losses in finance and communication sectors, with Emaar Properties dropping 0.5% and Dubai Commercial Bank losing 2.1%.

☆ Saudi leads most Gulf bourses higher; Egypt down
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 19(Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market closed higher on Sunday to outperform the Gulf region, amid expectations of a lower interest rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the aftermath of the collapse of two big regional banks. Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar usually mirror U.S. monetary policy changes. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) ended its five sessions losing streak, jumping 1.8%, the highest intraday rise since Dec 13. The index heavyweight Islamic banks Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) and Masraf Al Rayan (MARK.QA) rose 1.9% and 3.2% respectively. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) dropped 0.2%, extending its looses into a sixth sessions.

☆ Major Gulf bourses drop on Fed's hawkish tone
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 23 (Reuters) - Major Gulf bourses closed lower on Thursday as investors remained cautious after the U.S. Federal Reserve's minutes from latest meeting reinforced a hawkish tone, although the Egyptian index bucked the trend. Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar usually mirror U.S. monetary policy changes. With steepest intraday decline since Jan. 17, the index witnessed losses in almost all sectors, led by financial and energy stocks. The gulf region's largest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA) declined 2.1% and Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) plunged 9.6%, the sharpest intraday slide since March 2020 as the stock traded ex-dividend. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) rose 1.4%, snapping its previous session losses.

☆ Most Gulf markets drop as oil prices fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 13 (Reuters) - Most Gulf stock markets fell in early trade on Monday, in tandem with weaker oil prices and Asian peers as investors were cautious ahead release of crucial U.S. inflation data. Oil, which fuels the region's growth, declined around 1% with Brent crude was down $85.66 a barrel by 0743 GMT. In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark stock index (.FTFADGI) dropped 1.1%, dragged down by a 2.9% loss in Alpha Dhabi (ALPHADHABI.AD) and 1.9% fall in Al Dar Properties, while the largest lender by assets, First Abu Dhabi Bank slid 2.1%. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) fell 0.2%, weighed down by losses in industry and energy sectors with Industries Qatar losing 2.9% and Qatar Fuel shedding 1.5%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index (.TASI) opened on positive note trading 0.6% higher.

☆ Most Gulf bourses rise on higher oil prices; Egypt down
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 12 (Reuters) - Most Gulf bourses closed higher on Sunday in response to Friday's oil price rise, driven by Russian plans to reduce crude production next month. Oil, which fuels the region's economies, rose more than 2%, with Brent crude gaining $1.89 to $86.39 a barrel. Russia plans to reduce crude production by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, or about 5% of its total output. The index was dragged down by a 4.7% loss in Commercial International Bank Egypt (COMI.CA) and a 2.9% fall in Telecom Egypt (ETEL.CA). Among other losers, Misr Fertilizers (MFPC.CA) and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt (ADIB.CA) slid 3.7% and 4.3% respectively.

☆ Saudi Arabian shares drop on lower oil prices; Egypt rises
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 5 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian stock market closed lower on Sunday, in response to fall in oil prices on Friday amid concern about the European Union embargo on Russian refined products. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister warned on Saturday that sanctions and underinvestment in the energy sector could result in a shortage of energy supplies in future. The European Union has imposed a series of sanctions against Russia, reducing Russian energy exports. Saudi oil giant Aramco (2222.SE) sank 1.5%, while the world's largest Islamic bank by market capitalization, Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), dropped 1.9%. Qatar's stock index (.QSI) ended down 0.4%, with almost all its constituent stocks in negative territory.

☆ Gulf stocks rise on hope of slower Fed rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 29 (Reuters) - Stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday after cooling U.S. inflation lifted expectations the Federal Reserve would slow its pace of interest rate hikes. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) rose 0.2%, supported by gains in financial and energy sector stocks. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) rose 0.4%, with most of its constituent stocks in positive territory. The bank reported Tuesday a more than 22% rise in FY net profit, beating analyst's expectations. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) surged 3.7%, its highest intraday rise since November.

☆ Gulf markets rise on China demand optimism
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jan 24 (Reuters) - Gulf stock markets closed higher on Tuesday on expectations of economic recovery in the world's second largest economy, China, and smaller interest rate hikes from the U.S. Federal Reserve. Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar usually mirror U.S. monetary policy changes. The world's largest Islamic bank by market capitalization, Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), rose 0.8%. Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) continued its gains with a 2.3% rise and Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB.QA) rose 1.7%. Egypt has signed a $1.5 billion financing agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation to fund its trading, including imports of energy products and essential commodities.

☆ Major Gulf stocks rise on higher oil prices, China demand prospects
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 22 (Reuters) - Most major Gulf markets ended higher on Sunday, reflecting Friday's rise in oil prices driven by prospects that an upbeat economic growth outlook from China could signal increased fuel demand in the world's second-largest economy. Oil, which fuels the region's economies, settled up about $1 a barrel on Friday, with Brent crude at $87.63 a barrel, up $1.47 or 1.7%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) rose 0.4%, supported by a 1.5% gain in luxury real estate developer Retal Urban Development (4322.SE) and a 0.8% rise in oil giant Aramco (2222.SE). Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), the world's largest Islamic bank by market capitalization, rose 0.5%. The Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA) continued its rally with a 2.3% gain and Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) rose 1.3%.

☆ Saudi shares rise on upbeat economic data, Dubai stocks fall
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia shares rose on Monday helped by strong economic data and some upbeat corporate results, while the Dubai index fell ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. The benchmark Saudi index (<.TASI>) inched up 0.3%, erasing previous session's losses. The index was lifted by a 2.8% rise in Saudi National Bank's (<1180.SE>) shares. Saudi oil giant Aramco rose 0.4%, extending gains. The Dubai market declined as investors worldwide remain cautious ahead of the Fed's interest rate decision, said Wael Makarem, senior market strategist, MENA at Exness.

☆ Saudi Shares fall on weak earnings, volatile oil
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the dollar and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates usually copy any monetary policy change in the United States. The benchmark index (<.TASI>) in Saudi Arabia declined 0.7%, pulled down by a 2% drop in SABIC Industries (<2010.SE>) shares after the company reported a lower quarterly profit. The petrochemical maker posted a quarterly net profit after zakat and tax payments of 1.84 billion riyals ($489.62 million), down from 5.6 billion riyals year ago. Another petrochemical maker Nama Chemicals (<2210.SE>) posted a quarterly loss of 5.4 million riyals compared to a profit of 4.9 million riyals year ago. Earlier, the company recorded 669.20 million Egyptian pounds ($28.12 million) during the first-quarter of fiscal year, an yearly increase of 98.97% from 336.33 million Egyptian pounds.

☆ UAE stock markets ease as oil prices fall on China COVID curbs
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 28 (Reuters) - Stock markets in United Arab Emirates ended lower on Friday as oil prices fell after top crude importer China widened its COVID-19 curbs. In Abu Dhabi, the index (<.FTFADGI>) dropped 0.1%, pressured by a 0.5% dip in the country's largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (<FAB.AD>), while Abu Dhabi Polymers Co Borouge (<BOROUGE.AD>) was down 1.4% after reporting more than 23% decline in third-quarter net profit. However, the index gained 5.5% this month, as it ended the week 1.7% higher according to Refinitiv data. "The Abu Dhabi stock market slowed down after yesterday's surge as traders moved to secure their gains. Major stock markets elsewhere in the Gulf region were closed.

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