MIDEAST STOCKS-Gulf markets dip as retail investors book profits | Reuters

MIDEAST STOCKS-Gulf markets dip as retail investors book profits | Reuters:



"Most stock markets in the Gulf declined on Monday as retail investors booked profits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar after strong gains lifted those bourses to multi-year peaks earlier this month.



The three markets are the top performers in the region: Dubai has gained 51 percent, Abu Dhabi is up 19 percent and Qatar has added 22 percent.



"Given the run-up year-to-date, it is natural to see them (retail investors) book a little bit of profit," said Amer Khan, senior executive at Shuaa Asset Management.



Also, all three markets have been boosted by expectations of increased foreign investment since index compiler MSCI said last June it would upgrade them to emerging market status at the end of May 2014."



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