MIDEAST STOCKS-Most of Gulf gains as some ease coronavirus restrictions - Agricultural Commodities - Reuters

MIDEAST STOCKS-Most of Gulf gains as some ease coronavirus restrictions - Agricultural Commodities - Reuters:

Major stock markets in the Gulf rose on Sunday, led by gains in banking shares, as some nations in the region eased coronavirus restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index advanced 2.4%, with Al Rajhi Bank rising 2.3%, whereas oil giant Saudi Aramco was up 1.3%.

Sahara International Petrochemical added 2.7% after extending initial terms with Linde Plc until the end of the third quarter. The firms are in final negotiations on partnership agreements.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued an order to limit a curfew across the kingdom to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Sunday through Wednesday May 13, while keeping a 24-hour curfew in Mecca and in previously isolated neighbourhoods, state news agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.