Analysts bullish on Gulf companies

Research on Gulf companies and industries has ballooned in recent years, pushed by increasing international interest in the oil-rich region’s listed companies.

So what do research analysts think of the region’s corporate world? In spite of criticism from some quarters for their negativity, analysts are largely positive about the future for most Gulf companies.

Of 95 research notes in November covered by Markaz, a Kuwaiti investment bank, 55 per cent had a “buy” rating, 34 per cent said “hold” and less than 12 per cent urged investors to “sell” their shares. In October, when the bank started its coverage of research notes, 50 per cent had “buy” recommendations.