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☆ Saudi, Qatar ends higher as China scraps COVID curbs
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-08 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 8 (Reuters) - The Saudi and Qatari stock markets finished higher on Sunday after China scrapped COVID curbs, bolstering expectations of a demand recovery in the world's second-largest economy, while Egypt and UAE markets were closed. Meanwhile world's top crude exporter, Saudi Arabia, lowered prices for the Arab light crude it sells to Asia to its lowest since November 2021 amid the global pressures hitting oil. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) edged up 0.1% led by a 2.6% jump in state-owned mining company Saudi Arabian Mining Co(Ma'aden) (1211.SE). The benchmark stock index in Qatar (.QSI) gained 1.4%, supported by its Industrial and financial stocks as petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) jumped 3.1% while lender Masraf Al Rayan (MARK.QA) was up 2.5%. ($1 = 3.6580 Qatar riyals)($1 = 3.7580 riyals)Reporting by Shamsuddin Mohd in Bengaluru, Editing by Louise HeavensOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Most major Gulf stock markets fall on hawkish Fed, Egypt extends rally
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index (.TASI) closed flat, as losses in energy and financial shares were capped by gains in real estate stocks. In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index (.FTFADGI) declined 0.3%, as the country's largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB.AD) eased 0.6% while fertiliser maker Fertiglobe (FERTIGLOBE.AD) tumbled 2.4%. Alpha Dhabi (ALPHADHABI.AD) and Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment plan to deploy up to 9 billion dirhams ($2.45 billion) in credit markets through a new joint venture, the companies said. Elsewhere, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said on Thursday it would allocate $15 billion to decarbonisation projects by 2030. The benchmark stock index in Qatar (.QSI) jumped 2.8% to close the week with a gain of 4.3%.

☆ Gulf equities ring in new year on mixed note as oil, recession worries weigh
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 2 (Reuters) - Major Gulf stock markets were mixed on Monday, coming off gains in 2022 for most, as investors braced for the new year with worries about a potential recession, crude demand and the U.S. Fed hiking rates further. A Reuters poll showed on Friday that of 30 economists and analysts forecast Brent crude would average $89.37 a barrel in 2023, about 4.6% lower than the $93.65 consensus in a November survey. Abu Dhabi's index (.FTFADGI) added 0.3%, bolstered by a 1.6% increase in AD Ports Group (ADPORTS.AD) and a 2.4% hike in Multiply Group (MULTIPLY.AD). The benchmark was 2022's best performer among the other peers in Gulf Cooperation Council countries finishing the year with a more than 20% gain, after hitting an all-time high in early November in 2022. In Qatar, the benchmark (.QSI) was also up 0.3%, supported by its financial stocks but Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) retreated 0.2% with Saudi National Bank (1180.SE) falling 0.8% and oil behemoth and index heavyweight Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) easing 0.5%.

☆ Gulf shares start new year in upbeat mood, Egypt outperforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jan 2 (Reuters) - Most major Gulf equities got off to a good 2023 start on Monday, with Egypt outperforming regional peers, as investors shrugged off concerns about a potential recession, crude oil demand and the U.S. Fed hiking rates further. Crude prices, which are highly correlated with Gulf financial markets, swung wildly in 2022 and are expected to remain under pressure in 2023. Abu Dhabi's index (.FTFADGI) advanced 0.4% on Monday, bolstered by a 0.6% increase in the country's largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB.AD). The Qatari index last year posted its first annual loss since 2017, dropping 8.1% in 2022. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) closed 2.5% higher, with Commercial International Bank Egypt (COMI.CA) climbing 3.1% while Abu Qir Fertilizers And Chemical Industries (ABUK.CA) was up 5.2%.

☆ Egypt leads 2022 gains, Saudi marks first annual loss in 7 years
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Dec 29 (Reuters) - The Saudi Arabian stock market ended lower on Wednesday, marking its first annual loss in seven years, while the Egyptian bourse was the Middle East's best performer in 2022. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) eased 0.1%, hit by a 1.1% fall in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE). According to Wael Makarem, senior market strategist – MENA at Exness, stock markets have witnessed a difficult period in 2022 as inflation, rising interest rates and the war in Ukraine strongly impacted investor sentiment. The kingdom's largest lender, Saudi National Bank (1180.SE), finished 1.2% higher. Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - surged 80% earlier this year before giving up most gains.

☆ Most Gulf markets rise as China eases COVID curbs
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

China will stop requiring inbound travellers to go into quarantine starting from Jan. 8, the National Health Commission said on Monday. It will also downgrade the seriousness of COVID as it has become less virulent and will gradually evolve into a common respiratory infection. The announcement buoyed other Asian markets as well, with the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index (.MIAPJ0000PUS) rising 0.53%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 0.6%, led by a 1.4% rise in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) and a 1.1% gain in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) added 0.1%, helped by a 0.4% rise in top lender Emirates NBD (ENBD.DU).

☆ Gulf markets rise on China optimism, Saudi leads
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

China will stop requiring inbound travellers to go into quarantine starting from Jan. 8, the National Health Commission said on Monday. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) gained 1.3%, led by a 1.8% rise in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) and a 1.9% increase in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). The Saudi stock market rose today while oil markets' prospects improved with China opening up, said Fadi Reyad, chief market analyst at CAPEX.com. "However, the main index remains near its lowest levels this year and could be at risk of other price corrections." According to Reyad, the Qatari index continued to decline under the weight of the natural gas market's performance.

☆ Most Gulf markets subdued on economic concerns; Dubai gains
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) added 0.3%, ending three sessions of losses, helped by a 1.3% rise in sharia-compliant lender Dubai Islamic Bank (DISB.DU). Among other gainers, Islamic Arab Insurance (SALAMA) (SALAMA.DU) advanced 3.9%, after saying it is considering a proposal to acquire the insurance portfolio of Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance (Aman) (DNIN.DU). The benchmark index (.QSI) in Qatar - among the world's top exporters of liquefied natural gas - retreated 1.2%. Most stocks on the index were in negative territory including Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA), which was down 2.4%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) climbed 1.2%, with El Sewedy Electric (SWDY.CA) surging 8.1%.

☆ Most Gulf markets fall in early trade; Dubai gains
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 26 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Monday, with modest trading volumes in absence of many foreign investors for the Christmas holidays. Saudi Arabia's benchmark inex (.TASI) eased 0.1%, hit by a 0.6% fall in Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) and a 1.1% decline in the kingdom's biggest lender Saudi National Bank (1180.SE). However, Yanbu National Petrochemicals Company (2290.SE) gained 0.8% after it proposed half-yearly dividend of 1.25 riyal. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI), however, rose 0.5%, helped by a 1.3% rise in sharia-compliant lender Dubai Islamic Bank (DISB.DU). Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra EluriOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Saudi ends higher on oil prices; most Gulf markets in red
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-25 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 25 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian stocks climbed on Sunday in response to Friday's rise in oil prices, while most other bourses in the Gulf were in the red on global economic concerns. Oil prices settled about $3 per barrel higher on Friday for a second straight week of gains after Moscow said it could cut crude output in response to the G7 imposing a price cap on Russian exports. The Saudi bourse could maintain a stronger profile this week if oil prices continue to move to the upside, said Daniel Takieddine, CEO MENA at BDSwiss. According to Takieddine, the Qatari market saw additional price corrections after last week's pause as natural gas prices remained very volatile. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) was down 0.7%, extending losses from the previous session.

☆ Most Gulf markets firm on rising oil prices
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 22 (Reuters) - Most major stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Thursday, as oil prices extended gains for a fourth session although global economic concerns limited gains. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) edged 0.1% higher, helped by a 0.3% increase in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). Oil prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - climbed for a fourth straight day with U.S. crude, heating oil and jet fuel stocks growing tighter just as a cold snap hits the United States and travel is set to soar for the holiday season. In Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI) added 0.1%, helped by a 0.6% increase in the country's biggest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB.AD). The country, among the world's top exporters of liquefied natural gas, approved its 2023 fiscal year budget on Monday with revenue estimated to increase 16.3% next year, its finance minister said, thanks to rising average oil prices.

☆ Most Gulf markets ease on economic worries, volatile energy prices
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 20 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Tuesday, with the Saudi index falling the most on economic concerns and volatile energy prices. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) declined 1.3%, with Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) losing 1.6% and Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Services (4013.SE) dropped 4.6%. Last week, the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank raised interest rates and promised more, adding to concerns of a global economic downturn. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) eased 0.1%, weighed down by a 1.8% fall in sharia-compliant lender Dubai Islamic Bank (DISB.DU). The Qatari index (.QSI), however, added 0.2%, helped by a 1.3% rise in Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA).

☆ Most Gulf markets fall on Fed hawkishness; Abu Dhabi gains
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 15 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf dropped in early trade on Thursday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank would deliver more rate increases next year. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell as much as 0.6%, and was on course to fall after two sessions of gains. The Saudi Central Bank said on Wednesday it increased its key interest rates by 50 basis points, following Fed's move as the Saudi riyal is pegged to the dollar. The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates also increased its base rate by 50 basis points to 4.4%, effective Thursday, mirroring Fed's move. The Qatari benchmark index (.QSI) dropped 0.7%, with petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) declining 2.1%.

☆ Saudi leads fall in major Gulf markets amid Fed policy jitters
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market dropped in early trade on Monday, leading declines in the Gulf region ahead of interest rate decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Fed is widely expected to raise rates by 50 basis points at its last meeting of 2022 on Wednesday. Investors will also focus on the central bank's updated economic projections and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) fell 0.6%, hit by a 1.5% fall in top lender Emirates NBD (ENBD.DU). The Qatari index (.QSI) slipped 1.4%, as most of the stocks in the index were in neagtive territory including the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA), down 2.2%.

☆ Most Gulf markets in red on weak oil, Fed policy jitters
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Fed is widely expected to raise rates by 50 basis points at its last meeting of 2022 on Wednesday. Investors will also focus on the central bank's updated economic projections and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 1%, hitting its lowest since April last year, with Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) shedding 3.5%. Last week, Brent fell to its lowest since December 2021 amid concerns a possible global recession will hit oil demand. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) gained 0.9%, bolstered by a 1.8% rise in top lender Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA).

☆ Most Gulf markets retreat on Fed rate woes, oil price slump
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Dec 11 (Reuters) - Most major Gulf equities eased on Sunday on falling oil prices amid supply woes and uncertainty over a price cap on Russian oil, while the Egypt index fell on price corrections. "Also oil prices could witness further downtrend this week as recession fears may fuel demand concerns, with European price cap on Russian oil remaining a source of uncertainty," added Mourad. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 1.1%, with oil behemoth and index heavyweight Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) sliding 1.8% and Luxury real estate developer Retal Urban Development Company (4322.SE) losing 0.7%. However, Saudi National Bank (1180.SE) and ACWA Power (2082.SE) jumped 2% and 4.4% respectively. (IQCD.QA)Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) also eased 1.7%, ending eight straight days of gains.

☆ Saudi bourse at 19-month low on growth fears; Egypt extends gains
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 7 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market led declines in much of the Gulf region on Wednesday, hitting its lowest since April last year as worries mounted about a global economic downturn. The Saudi bourse could see more losses while concerns remain around the developments in oil markets, Daniel Takieddine, CEO MENA at BDSwiss, said. In Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI) lost 0.7%, with the country's biggest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB.AD) down 1.9%. The Qatari index (.QSI), which wiped out its year-to-date gains in the previous session, retreated a further 1.3%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) finished 2% higher, gaining for a seventh session.

☆ Egypt's index outperforms regional peers; Saudi extends losses
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Egypt's blue-chip index outperformed regional peers to close higher on Sunday, while Saudi and Qatari stocks slipped on weakness in the financial and petrochemical sectors. They could fall further this week after OPEC+ agreed to stick to its oil output targets on Sunday but volatility is likely to continue after G7 countries and Australia also agreed a price cap on Russian oil. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 0.9%, with Sabic Agri-Nutrients (2020.SE) down 4.2% and Sulaiman al-Habib Medical Services (4013.SE) 1.2% lower. Separately, Saudi oil behemoth Aramco's (2222.SE) base oil subsidiary Luberef announced its IPO price range between 91 and 99 riyals each. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) finished flat, as gains in energy stocks were partially offset by losses in financial stocks.

The PSG chaiman also told Anderson that he believes media criticism of the country was down to the fact that many had not visited Qatar. The 49-year-old told Anderson that PSG would want any potential bidder to share a long-term commitment to the club. The 49-year-old told Anderson that he remains opposed to the idea, but is not against other changes. Al-Khelaifi told Anderson that PSG has a two-year contract with Messi, but will discuss his next steps after the tournament ends. Al-Khelaifi told Anderson he expected the star to be okay for the tournament’s knock-out stages, but that he needs referees to give him more protection.

☆ Most Gulf markets track oil prices, global shares lower
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 28 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Monday, as investors tracked sluggish oil prices and global shares after rare protests in China against the country's zero-COVID curbs roiled sentiment. China has stuck with President Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy even as much of the world has lifted most restrictions. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 0.5%, hit by a 2.8% fall in Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) and a 2.6% decline in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). Europe's benchmark STOXX index (.STOXX) fell 0.9% in early trading after MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) fell 1.2% as COVID protests raised investors' concerns about growth implications for China. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) dropped 0.7%, with top lender Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA) falling 0.8%.

☆ Major Gulf markets track Asian shares, oil prices lower
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Roxanne Liu | Yantoultra Ngui | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 28 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf fell on Monday, with the Qatari index leading the drop, as investors tracked sluggish crude prices and Asian equities lower after rare protests in China against the country's zero-COVID curbs roiled sentiment. Crude prices - a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - slumped as street protests against strict curbs in China, the world's biggest crude importer, stoked concerns about the outlook for fuel demand. In Qatar, the index (.QSI) dropped 1.5%, as all stocks were trading in negative territory including petrochemical maker Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA), which was down 1.9%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) retreated more than 1%, with Retal Urban Development Co (4322.SE) losing 1% and oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) declining 0.9%. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) retreated 0.5%, weighed down by a 0.9% fall in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties (EMAR.DU).

☆ Saudi, Qatar indexes extend losses on weak oil, Egypt up
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 27 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia and Qatar stock markets closed lower on Sunday, as uncertainties in oil prices amid Chinese COVID-19 curbs and haggling over a cap on Russian oil prices, weighed on investors' sentiments, although Egypt rose, bucking the trend. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 1.3%, with Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) retreating 1.2%, while Sabic Agri-Nutrients (2020.SE) was down 3.9%. Separately, Saudi oil behemoth Aramco's (2222.SE) base oil subsidiary, Luberef, has received the approval from the kingdom's stock market regulator for an initial public offering, the Capital Market Authority said on Thursday. The Qatari index (.QSI) also dropped 1.1%, extending losses from previous session, led by its financial stocks with Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) and Commercial Bank Qatar (COMB.QA) plunging 1.9% and 2.1% respectively. "Egyptian stock market, supported by the large trading volumes by local investors, continue to maintain its strong performance" added Takieddine.

☆ Major Gulf markets fall in early trade on growth worries
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 22 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Tuesday on growth worries following COVID-19 flare-ups in China and weak oil demand, with the Qatari index on course to extend losses for a sixth session. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) dropped 0.3%, on course to extend losses for a third session, with Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Services (4013.SE) losing 2.7% and Riyad Bank (1010.SE) falling 1.1%. Physical crude markets have weakened in recent days, reflecting softer demand from China and Europe. Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) fell 0.3%, hit by a 0.4% fall in Emirates NBD (ENBD.DU). The Qatari index (.QSI) retreated 0.8%, on course to extend losses for a sixth session, with Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) dropping 1.6%.

☆ Gulf bourses slide on Fed rate hike prospects; Egypt edges up
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Shamsuddin Mohd | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 20 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf fell on Sunday with fears about sharp U.S. interest rate hikes and the prospect of weaker oil demand weighing on sentiment. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 0.8%, pressured by banking stocks, with Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) down 1.2% and Saudi National Bank (1180.SE) dropping 1.7%. The Qatari index (.QSI) also dropped 0.8%, extending losses to five sessions in a row, with financials and industrial stocks leading the losses. Qatari conglomerate Industries Qatar (IQCD.QA) lost 1.6% while Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) was down 1.2%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) edged up 0.1% for a sixth session of gains, with Elsewedy Electric (SWDY.CA) advancing 2.7%.

☆ Most Gulf bourses fall after Fed warning
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 14 (Reuters) - Most Gulf stock markets ended lower on Monday after a top U.S. central banker warned investors not to get carried away over one inflation number, while falling oil prices compounded concerns. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 0.4%, hit by a 3% slide in the country's biggest lender Saudi National Bank (SNB)(1180.SE). The lender has agreed to invest 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.59 billion) in the Swiss bank and is set to take a stake of up to 9.9%. Since the October announcement, SNB has lost 39.94 billion riyals ($10.63 billion) from its market value. The kingdom's Public Investment Fund sold a 10% stake in the firm through a secondary share offering, raising 2.3 billion riyals ($612 million).

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