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☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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 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 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%.

☆ Most Gulf markets open lower on weak oil prices, rate-hike bets
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 27 (Reuters) - Most major Gulf markets opened lower on Monday, tracking Asian peers and weaker oil prices, as fears of further rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve dampened investors' risk appetite. Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index (.TASI) fell 0.2%, extending losses to a seventh consecutive session. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) eased 0.1%, dragged down by losses in financial stocks. Bucking the trend, Dubai's benchmark index (.DFMGI) rose 0.4%, lifted by gains in property and banking shares. ($1 = 3.7519 riyals)Reporting by Shamsuddin Mohd in Bengaluru; editing by Eileen SorengOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Banks, real estate shares weigh on Saudi; insurer lifts Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 26 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Sunday, with Saudi Arabia's index pressured by real estate and banking shares, but a 10% surge in Qatar Insurance (QINS.QA) lifted the Qatari index. Among other stocks, Saudi Tadawul Group fell 4.7% after its annual profit declined more than 27% to 424.6 million riyals ($113.17 million). Middle East Healthcare (4009.SE) jumped 10% after its annual profit soared more than 300% compared to a year earlier. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) rose 0.7%, ending three consecutive sessions of losses, buoyed by its financial stocks. The insurer on Wednesday hit a more than 13-year low after reporting a consolidated net loss of 637 million riyals ($174.14 million) for fiscal year 2022, compared to a profit of 630 million riyals ($172.23 million) a year earlier.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ Qatari investors preparing imminent bid for Manchester United - Bloomberg
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Qatari investors are preparing to make a bid to buy Premier League club Manchester United "in the coming days", Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the deal. The report added that the consortium will submit an initial bid for the club by the end of the week, and that officials from the Qatar Investment Authority are helping with preparations for the bid. Reuters has contacted Manchester United for comment. read more read moreEarlier this month, the Daily Mail newspaper reported that Qatari investors are planning to make a huge bid to buy Premier League club Manchester United. (This story has been corrected to say Qatar Investment Authority, not Qatar Sports Investments, in paragraph 2)Reporting by Aadi Nair; Editing by Jan Harvey and Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 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%.

☆ Who could buy Manchester United and how much is it worth?
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jan 18 (Reuters) - Jim Ratcliffe's company INEOS formally entered the bidding process to buy Manchester United on Tuesday, months after the club owners, the Glazer family, said they were considering selling the club as they explore "strategic alternatives". MIDDLE EASTERN INVESTORSUnited's local rivals Manchester City are bankrolled by the Abu Dhabi United Group, while Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund completed a 300 million pound buyout of Newcastle United in 2021. Bloomberg News reported this week that United, Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool were being targeted by QSI for a potential acquisition. The Times newspaper, which first reported Ratcliffe's INEOS entering the bidding, said that interest from the United States and Asia is also expected. Asked by the BBC at the time if he needed to raise four billion pounds to buy United, O'Neill said: "I'm not sure if it'll necessarily be that much, but let's see."

☆ Gulf bourses wobble; Egypt edges up
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 15 (Reuters) - Stock markets in the Gulf wobbled on Sunday with the Qatari index extending losses for a third session. 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. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma'aden) (1211.SE), the Gulf's largest miner, retreated 1.2%, ending two sessions of gains. However, Qatar National Bank (QNB) (QNBK.QA), the Gulf's biggest bank by assets, gained 0.7%, ending three sessions of losses. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) added 0.1%, helped by a 5.3% jump in El Sewedy Electric (SWDY.CA).

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