Stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Wednesday as investors monitored global trade developments ahead of the United States' potential re-imposition of sweeping tariffs on July 9.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was not thinking of extending the July 9 deadline for countries to negotiate trade deals with the U.S., and continued to express doubt that an agreement could be reached with Japan.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI), opens new tab edged 0.1% higher, after two consecutive sessions of losses, helped by 1.7% rise in Saudi Arabian Mining Company (1211.SE), opens new tab.
The cautious mood dominating the region contributed to mixed sector performances, said Joseph Dahrieh, managing principal at Tickmill.
"Investors are awaiting further developments to gain more clarity, while low oil prices continue to pose a risk, despite a positive economic outlook," he said.
Among gainers, oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE), opens new tab rose 0.8%.
Oil futures edged up as Iran suspended cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog and markets weighed expectations of more supply from major producers next month, while the U.S. dollar softened further.
Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI), opens new tab dropped 0.4%, hit by a 1.3% fall in toll operator Salik Company (SALIK.DU), opens new tab.
Separately, Dubai commuters may soon have a new way to beat traffic, as Joby Aviation successfully completed the first test flight of its fully-electric air taxi in the emirate this week - a significant step toward the city's goal of integrating airborne transport into its mobility network as early as next year.
In Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI), opens new tab eased 0.1%, while the Qatari index (.QSI), opens new tab closed flat.
A report on Tuesday suggested that the U.S. labour market stayed resilient in May, sharpening the focus on U.S. nonfarm payrolls figures due on Thursday as investors try to gauge when the Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates next.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday reiterated the U.S. central bank's plans to "wait and learn more" before lowering rates.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30), opens new tab added 0.4%, with Talaat Moustafa Holding (TMGH.CA), opens new tab rising 0.9%.
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