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☆ Most Gulf markets fall on weak oil; Saudi gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A general view shows the Dubai Financial Market after Joe Biden wins U.S. presidency, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 8, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsDec 3 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Sunday, in response to Friday's fall in oil prices, although the Saudi index bucked the trend to close higher. Oil prices - a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - slumped more than 2% on Friday on investor scepticism over the depth of OPEC+ supply cuts and concern about sluggish global manufacturing activity. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.4%, with oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) rising 0.5% and Arabian Pipes Co (2200.SE) advancing 5.4%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) lost 0.7%, with Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA) declining 2%.

Persons: Joe Biden, Christopher Pike, Jerome Powell, Ateeq, Bernadette Baum, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Dubai Financial, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Qatar Islamic Bank, Saudi Aramco, Arabian Pipes, Federal, Gulf Cooperation Council, U.S ., Commercial International Bank, Thomson Locations: Dubai, United Arab, Saudi, OPEC, Saudi Arabia, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets in the red on falling oil prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A trader looks on near electronic boards showing stock market data at Bahrain Bourse after Joe Biden won the U.S. presidency, in Manama, Bahrain, November 8, 2020. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 26 (Reuters) - Stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Sunday in response to Friday's fall in oil prices, although the Saudi index bucked the trend to trade higher. Oil - a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - fell on Friday as the release of some hostages in Gaza reduced the geopolitical risk premium. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) declined 0.8%, with top lender Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA) losing 2%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) edged 0.1% higher, ending two sessions of losses, helped by a 1.2% rise in Elm Company (7203.SE).

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, Ateeq, Louise Heavens Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, Stock, Qatar Islamic Bank, Industries Qatar, Commercial International Bank, Elm Company, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, Saudi, Gaza, Qatar, OPEC, Saudi Arabia, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets gain on rising oil prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Christopher Pike Acquire Licensing RightsNov 19 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday in response to Friday's rise in oil prices, with the Saudi index rising for a fourth consecutive session. Oil prices - often a catalyst for the Gulf's financial market - jumped more than 4% on Friday, rebounding from a 4-month low, with U.S. sanctions on some Russian oil shippers lending support. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.5%, with oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) gaining 0.3% and the country's biggest lender Saudi National Bank (1180.SE) advancing 1.5%. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) closed 0.2% higher, helped by a 1% rise in the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA). Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) advanced 2.1%, buoyed by a 3.8% jump in Commercial International Bank (CIB) (COMI.CA).

Persons: Joe Biden, Christopher Pike, Kristalina Georgieva, Ateeq, Alex Richardson Organizations: Dubai Financial, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Saudi, Saudi Aramco, Saudi National Bank, Qatar National Bank, Gulf Cooperation Council, U.S . Federal Reserve, International Bank, CIB, Egypt's, European Bank for Reconstruction, Monetary Fund, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Dubai, United Arab, Saudi, Qatar, Israel, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets end higher after US job market softens
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A trader looks on near electronic boards showing stock market data at Bahrain Bourse after Joe Biden won the U.S. presidency, in Manama, Bahrain, November 8, 2020. Most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, peg their currencies to the U.S. dollar and follow the Fed's policy moves closely. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.8%, with oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) rising 0.5% and Lumi Rental Co (4262.SE) finishing 1.7% higher. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) closed 2% higher, led by a 2.1% rise in Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA). On Friday, the lender reported third-quarter net income of 8.35 billion Egyptian pounds ($270.66 million), up 89% year-on-year.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, Detroit's, Jerome Powell, Ateeq, David Goodman, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, Federal, United Auto Workers, UAW, Gulf Cooperation, U.S ., Saudi Aramco, Lumi, Reuters, Industries Qatar, Commercial International Bank, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, U.S, Gulf, UAE, Saudi, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Saudi bourse tracks oil prices lower, Egypt extends losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Saudi trader observes the stock market on monitors at Falcom stock exchange agency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia February 7, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 1 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market ended lower on Sunday in response to Friday's fall in oil prices, while the Egyptian index extended loses on profit-taking. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 0.1%, extending losses from the previous session, weighed down by a 0.9% fall in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - settled 1% lower on Friday due to macroeconomic concerns and profit-taking. Saudi Arabia is expected to tap the international debt markets to finance a projected budget deficit in 2023-2024, the finance ministry said, against a backdrop of lower oil prices and the country's extended oil production cuts.

Persons: Faisal Al Nasser, Ateeq, David Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, Saudi, Saudi Aramco, Qatar National Bank, Qatar bourse, Banking, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Major Gulf markets little changed ahead of Fed decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Christopher Pike Acquire Licensing RightsSept 20 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf were little changed in early trade on Wednesday ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Investors are awaiting a raft of central bank interest rate decisions this week to assess the outlook for economic growth and fuel demand. The U.S. central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold, but the focus will be on its projected policy path. The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council's monetary policy is usually guided by the Fed's decision as most regional currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar. The Qatari benchmark (.QSI) rose 0.1%, helped by a 0.7% rise in the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA).

Persons: Joe Biden, Christopher Pike, Ateeq, Sohini Goswami Organizations: Dubai Financial, U.S, United Arab Emirates, REUTERS, Gulf Cooperation, U.S ., Development, Saudi Aramco, Qatar National Bank, Thomson Locations: Dubai, United Arab, U.S . Federal, U.S, Saudi, Dar Al Arkan, Yemen, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets extend losses on profit-taking; Egypt gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 17 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Sunday as profit-taking continued, but the Egyptian index bucked the trend to trade at a record high. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 0.5%, weighed down by a 1.1% fall in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) and a 1.7% decrease in Alinma Bank (1150.SE). In Qatar, the index (.QSI) extended losses for a third session. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) gained 0.6%, hitting its record high, led by a 5.5% rise in Beltone Financial Holding (BTFH.CA). Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru Editing by Christina FincherOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joe Biden, Hamad I Mohammed, ADES, Ateeq, Christina Fincher Organizations: Bahrain Bourse, U.S, REUTERS, Saudi, Al Rajhi Bank, Alinma Bank, Beltone Financial, UAE's Global Investment Holding, Eastern Co, Thomson Locations: Bahrain, Manama, Al Rajhi, Qatar, Eastern, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most stock markets in Gulf track oil prices higher
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

An investor monitors a screen displaying stock information at the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange June 25, 2014./File PhotoAug 13 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday in the wake of Friday's rise in oil prices, with the Saudi index gaining for a third consecutive session. Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - edged higher on Friday after the International Energy Agency forecast record global demand and tightening supplies, propelling prices to their seventh straight week of gains, the longest such streak since 2022. Prospects for the oil market look healthy for the second half of the year, OPEC said. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) advanced 1.1%, rising for a third consecutive session, led by a 1.6% leap in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). In Qatar, the index (.QSI) added 0.4%, with petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) putting on 0.8%.

Persons: Ateeq, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Abu, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, International Energy Agency, Organization of, Petroleum, Saudi, Saudi Aramco, Aramco, Industries Qatar, Thomson Locations: Abu Dhabi, Saudi, North Asia, Qatar, Egypt, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Saudi bourse extends losses on profit-taking; Egypt gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 30 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market ended lower on Sunday, extending losses from the previous session on profit-taking, while the Egyptian index ended five sessions of losses. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 0.5%, weighed down by a 2.5% fall in Riyad Bank (1010.SE), while Saudi Awwal Bank (1060.SE) retreated 3.8%. On the positive side, National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (4030.SE) advanced more than 4% after posting a sharp rise in second-quarter net profit. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) gained 0.5%, led by a 2.7% rise in petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA). ($1 = 3.7505 riyals)Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru Editing by Christina FincherOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ateeq, Christina Fincher Organizations: Saudi, Riyad Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank, National Shipping Company, Industries Qatar, Eastern Company, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Qatar bourse gains on rising oil prices; Egypt falls
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 23 (Reuters) - Qatar's stock market ended higher on Sunday in response to Friday's rise in oil prices, while the Saudi index finished flat. In Qatar, the key stock index (.QSI) gained 0.5%, rising for an eighth consecutive session, led by a 10% surge in Barwa Real Estate Co (BRES.QA). Last week, the real estate firm agreed to sell two land plots in Lusail area for 6.36 billion riyals ($1.75 billion). Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) eased 0.2% on Sunday, hit by a 1.1% fall in tobacco monopoly Easter Company. ($1 = 3.6425 Qatar riyals)Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ateeq, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Clean Energy, Company, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Russia, Ukraine, Qatar, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets gain; Egypt extends losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 9 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday in response to Friday's rise in oil prices, while the Egyptian index extended losses for a fourth session. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) gained 0.3%, led by a 1.8% increase in telecoms firm Ooredoo (ORDS.QA). Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) slid 3.2%, extending losses for a fourth session, as foreign investors continue to sell amid difficult economic conditions locally and internationally. Almost all the stocks on the index were in negative territory including Misr Fertilizers (MFPC.CA), which retreated about 18%. Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Alison WilliamsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Dr Sulaiman Al, Ateeq, Alison Williams Organizations: Habib Medical Services, OPEC, Thomson Locations: Saudi, OPEC, Qatar, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Qatar leads most Gulf markets higher after Eid
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

July 2 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday as trading resumed after the Muslim Eid al-Adha holidays, with the Qatari index registering the strongest performance. Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru Editing by David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ateeq, David Goodman Organizations: Thomson Locations: Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets gain after US debt deal, job data
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 4 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday after the U.S. Congress passed a debt ceiling deal that averted a government default in the world's biggest economy, while jobs data fuelled hopes for a possible pause in Fed rate hikes. Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - rose more than 2% on Friday after the U.S. debt deal and jobs data. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) finished 1.8% higher, with almost all the stocks closing in positive territory including Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA), which gained 2.1%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) eased 0.4%, hit by a 0.7% fall in top lender Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA). Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by David HolmesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joe Biden, Ateeq, David Holmes Organizations: U.S, Congress, Saturday, Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, Gulf Cooperation, Saudi, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial International Bank, Saudi Arabia's Milling, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Al Rajhi, Gulf, Qatar, Ateeq Shariff, Bengaluru

☆ Most Gulf markets end lower, Egypt ekes out gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Saudi, have their currencies pegged to the dollar and generally follow the Fed's policy moves, exposing the region relatively directly to any monetary tightening there. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) lost 0.4%, with Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) declining 1% and Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Services (4013.SE) finishing 1.4% lower. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) gained 0.5%, led by an 11.3% jump in Edita Food Industries (EFID.CA). On the other hand, Egypt has deferred payments for its large wheat purchases, in some cases by months, according to a government official and traders, as the country grapples with a shortage of hard currency. Egypt is one of the world's biggest wheat importers and uses the purchases to make heavily subsidised bread available to tens of millions of people.

☆ Saudi bourse jumps on earnings; Egypt extends losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 7 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market ended higher on Sunday boosted by a slew of strong earnings, although the Egyptian bourse extended losses. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 1.2%, buoyed by a 6% jump in Saudi British Bank (1060.SE), its biggest intraday gain since Dec. 2021, following a steep rise in first-quarter earnings. The lender reported a quarterly net profit of 1.77 billion riyals ($471.99 million) up from 1 billion riyals year ago. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) added 0.3%, with Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) climbing 2.7%. However, the index's gains were limited by a 1.1% fall in petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) ahead of its earnings announcement.

☆ Most Gulf markets fall as Fed seen hiking rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

May 1 (Reuters) - Most major stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Monday, dragged lower by expectations the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates, although the Qatari index bucked the trend. The Fed is predicted to raise rates by another 25 basis points this week. The U.S. central bank has raised its policy rate by 475 basis points since March last year from the near-zero level to the current 4.75%-5.00% range. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) fell 0.1%, hit by a 1.1% fall in Emirates NBD Bank (ENBD.DU) and a 0.8% decrease in utility firm Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWAA.DU). In Qatar, the index (.QSI) bucked the trend to trade 0.5% higher, with telecoms firm Ooredoo (ORDS.QA) up more than 5%.

☆ Major Gulf markets mixed in early trade
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 26 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf were mixed in early trade on Wednesday amid rising recession fears in the United States, with the Saudi index on course to end five-day winning streak. U.S. Consumer confidence fell to a nine-month low in April, a survey showed, intensifying concerns of a potential recession. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 0.3%, on course snap a five-session gains, hit by a 1.1% drop in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) retreated 0.6%, weighed down by a 3.2% slide in Emaar Properties PJSC (EMAR.DU). U.S. crude oil stocks fell by about 6.1 million barrels in the week ended April 21, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures on Tuesday.

☆ Saudi stocks gain on rising oil prices; Qatar falls
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-16 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 16 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock markets ended higher on Sunday after Friday's rise in oil prices, although the Qatari index extended losses for a second session. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.6%, led by a 1.2% increase in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), while oil giant Saudi Aramco (2223.SE) added 0.8%. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched on Thursday four new Special Economic Zones in Saudi Arabia, state media reported on Thursday after the market had closed, citing a statement. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) fell 0.4%, extending losses for a second session, with petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) losing 1.5%. Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Sharon SingletonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Saudi bourse gains amid strong oil prices; Egypt falls
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 9 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market finished higher on Sunday, ending two sessions of losses, while the Egyptian bourse extended losses on rising inflation. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.6%, helped by a 1.7% rise in Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE). The Saudi stock market could extend its gains this week with sentiment among local investors improving. "At the same time, the local economy could find support in the potential for higher oil prices in the near to medium term." Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - were little changed on Thursday but posted a third weekly gain as markets weighed further production cuts targeted by OPEC+ and falling U.S. oil inventories against fears about the global economic outlook.

☆ Most Middle Eastern bourses in black on US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-02 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar, and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates usually mirror any monetary policy change in the United States. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.4%, with Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) rising 0.5% and petrochemical maker Saudi Basic Industries Corp (2010.SE) closing 1.7% higher. Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - rose by more than a dollar per barrel on Friday, on tightening supplies and cooling U.S. inflation. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) raised its overnight interest rate by 200 basis points (bps) on Thursday following a meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), saying it aimed to bring high inflation into check. In Qatar the index (.QSI) dropped 1.2% as natural gas prices remained under pressure.

☆ Most Gulf markets turn south as Credit Suisse woes roil markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Saudi woman walks at the Saudi stock market (Tadawul), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 9, 2020. The lender lost almost $25 billion in market value since Oct. 27 after committing to invest in the embattled Credit Suisse. Oil — a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets —extended losses, with Brent crude hitting a three-month low as unease over Credit Suisse spooked world markets, offsetting hopes of a Chinese oil demand recovery. "At the same time, traders will remain attentive to the developments in global markets and central bank decisions this week and the next." Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) plunged 4.2%, with investment bank EFG Hermes (HRHO.CA) diving more than 12%.

☆ Most Gulf markets gain as fears about rapid Fed hikes, bank crisis ease
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The Federal Reserve is seen raising its benchmark rate a quarter of a percentage point next week and again in May. Most Gulf currencies are pegged to the dollar, and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates usually mirror any monetary policy change in the United States. But the index's gains were limited by a 1.5% fall in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) as the stock went ex-dividend. The Qatari benchmark (.QSI), however, traded 0.2% lower, dragged down by a 5.8% slide in utility firm Qatar Electricity and Water Co (QEWC.QA) as the stock went ex-dividend. Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi MajumdarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Most Middle Eastern stock markets in red as bank worries spread
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 12 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Middle East ended lower on Sunday, with the Egyptian bourse leading the declines, in response to Friday's fall in global shares over fears of contagion following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) (SIVB.O). The startup-focused lender became the largest bank to fail since the 2008 financial crisis on Friday, roiling global markets and leaving billions of dollars belonging to companies and investors stranded. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) slid 1.6%, as almost all the stocks were in negative territory including Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA), which tumbled 3.9%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 0.8%, weighed down by a 1.7% fall in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) and a 0.8% decrease in Retal Urban Development CO (4322.SE). Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) tumbled 3.1%, with 28 of thirty one stocks on the index trading red, including top lender Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA), which was down 1.8%.

☆ Saudi bourse gains on upbeat earnings, non-oil activity; Egypt falls
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 5 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market extended gains for a third session on Sunday on buoyant earnings and upbeat non-oil business activity, while the Egyptian bourse fell further on profit taking. The kingdom's non-oil business sector activity soared to its highest level in eight years in February, a survey showed on Sunday, based on a strong increase in demand and an optimistic economic outlook. "However, the developments in oil markets could still have an uncertain impact on Saudi stocks due to the current volatility." Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) eased 0.1%, extending losses on profit-taking after the market hit a high in February. According to a media report, the telecom firm and Huawei Egypt inked a cooperation agreement to foster cooperation in digital transformation.

☆ Saudi bourse falls on Fed worries; Qatar gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 19 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market closed lower on Sunday after U.S. economic data stoked fears the Federal Reserve will act more aggressively to curb inflation. Most Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have their currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar and follow the Fed's policy moves closely, exposing the region to a direct impact from monetary tightening in the world's largest economy. The benchmark index (.TASI) in Saudi Arabia dropped 0.5%, dragged down by a 2.1% slide in Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) and a 0.9% decrease Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE). In Qatar, the index (.QSI) bucked the trend to finish 0.7% higher, led by a 3.4% rise in the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA). ** Markets in Kuwait and Oman were closed for a holidayReporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; editing by Barbara LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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