Latest News

Major Gulf markets gain in early trade; Saudi falls

Most stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Monday, brushing off geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing war in between significant oil manufacturer Russia and Ukraine, although the Saudi index bucked the pattern to trade lower.

Last week, Russia fired a hypersonic rocket at Ukraine in a. warning to the United States and Britain following strikes by. Kyiv on Russia, utilizing U.S. and British weapons.

Dubai's main share index advanced 0.7%, led by a 2%. rise in blue-chip designer Emaar Residence and a. 2.2% boost in toll operator Salik.

The Abu Dhabi index was up 0.4%.

In Qatar, the index included 0.3%, with Qatar Islamic. Bank increasing 0.9% and petrochemical maker Industries. Qatar up 0.5%.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares. rose following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice of. fund manager Scott Bessent as the next U.S. Treasury secretary,. with investors anticipating he will be a voice for markets in. Washington.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dropped 0.5%, weighed. down by a 1.5% fall in Al Rajhi Bank and a 1.7%. decrease in Saudi Arabian Mining Company.

Oil prices - a driver for the Gulf's financial markets -. pulled back following 6% gains last week, however remained near. two-week highs as geopolitical stress grew between Western. powers and significant oil manufacturers Russia and Iran, raising risks of. supply disruption.

Saudi Arabia's energy index eased 0.2%.

(source: Reuters)