Most Gulf markets ended higher on Sunday, extending gains from the previous session, after data supported the likelihood of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
The U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index - the Fed's preferred inflation measure - rose 0.2% in July, according to Commerce Department data released on Friday.
Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, rose 0.5% last month, the report showed. The data sets the stage for the Fed to likely begin easing monetary policy from this month.
Money markets are pricing the Fed's first 25 basis point (bp) cut of this cycle at its September meeting, with a 33% chance of a 50 bp reduction.
Monetary policy in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, is usually guided by the Fed's decisions, as most regional currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI), opens new tab gained 0.4%, with aluminium products manufacturer Al Taiseer Group (4143.SE), opens new tab advancing 3.1% and Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), opens new tab closing 0.8% higher.
In Qatar, the index (.QSI), opens new tab rose 0.3%, with Islamic lender Masraf Al Rayan (MARK.QA), opens new tab increasing 1.5%.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30), opens new tab rose 0.4%, led by a 1.7% gain in Talaat Mostafa Group (TMGH.CA), opens new tab.
Egypt's net foreign assets (NFAs) rose by $220 million in July, remaining positive for a third straight month after having been deeply negative for more than two years, central bank data showed.
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