Wednesday 25 August 2021

MIDEAST STOCKS Most major Gulf bourses fall; oil lifts #Saudi stocks | Reuters

MIDEAST STOCKS Most major Gulf bourses fall; oil lifts Saudi stocks | Reuters


Most major stock markets in the Gulf ended lower on Wednesday, after weak economic data from Germany, Europe's biggest economy.

In Abu Dhabi, the index (.ADI) fell 0.2%, weighed down by a 0.5% fall in Emirates Telecommunications Group (ETISALAT.AD) and a 1% decline in Alpha Dhabi Holdings (ALPHADHABI.AD).

"Investor sentiment remains cautious and exposed to any doubts regarding the (global) economy," said Wael Makarem senior market strategist at Exness.

"They have reacted to the downtrend in the German stock market and the downward movement of the U.S. S&P futures as American markets are expected to open in the negative territory."

German business morale fell for the second month running in August as companies took a dimmer view about the coming months in Europe's largest economy due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and supply bottlenecks, a survey showed on Wednesday. read more

Abu Dhabi's most valuable listed company, International Holding (IHC.AD), is seeking investment opportunities in Turkey in sectors including healthcare, industrial and food processing, its chief executive Syed Basar Shueb said. read more

Shares of the conglomerate finished flat.

Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) eased 0.1%, hit by a 1% drop in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties (EMAR.DU).

After the tremendous rally in global equities, investors are trying to anticipate the next move and lowering exposure ahead of the Federal Reserve's annual economic symposium at Jackson Hole on Friday, Makarem added.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) added 0.2%, supported by higher oil prices and improving sanitary conditions.

Riyad Bank (1010.SE) gained 2.8% and Banque Saudi Fransi (1050.SE) closed up 3.8%.

Brent crude was up 14 cents, or 0.2%, at $71.19 a barrel by 1028 GMT.

In Qatar, the index (.QSI) dropped 0.3%, snapping a 10-day winning streak, with Commercial Bank (COMB.QA) and Qatar Islamic Bank (QISB.QA) losing 1.2% and 0.6%, respectively.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) gained 1%, as most of the stocks were in positive territory including Commercial International Bank (COMI.CA), up 1.1%.

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