Gulf Markets Mostly Rise on Strong Corporate Earnings

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Gulf Markets Mostly Rise on Strong Corporate Earnings

In the Gulf region, stock markets closed mostly on a positive note today. Strong corporate earnings reports boosted investor confidence, while geopolitical concerns limited gains. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index recorded a modest increase of 0.1% aided by Al-Rajhi Bank's 1.4% rise and Saudi Arabian Mining Company's 3.1% increase.

Mobile Telecommunications Saudi Arabia, also known as Zain KSA, rose by 0.4% after reporting an increase in its quarterly net profit. In addition to positive economic news, Saudi Arabia's investment minister announced that the number of companies with regional headquarters in the kingdom has reached 540, surpassing the 2030 target of 500.

In Abu Dhabi, the index closed up 0.1%, boosted by a 0.4% increase in diversified holding company Borouge. Dubai's main stock index jumped by 1%, outperforming with Salik Co. and Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corp posting gains of 1.3% and 1.8%, respectively.

Oil prices, which significantly impact the Gulf's financial markets, rebounded by over 1% following a sharp 6% drop in the previous session. This recovery was partly driven by the U.S. plan to replenish its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), although ongoing concerns about potential future demand decline continued to exert downward pressure.

The Qatar index closed stronger with an increase of 0.8%. Shares of Qatar National Bank, the largest lending institution in the Gulf, rose by 1.1%. Industries Qatar also gained 0.7% ahead of its earnings announcement.

Contrary to the gains seen in most Gulf markets, Egypt's blue-chip index fell by 0.5%, retreating due to a 1.1% decline in Commercial International Bank shares.

Closing figures for the regional markets were as follows: the Saudi index rose to 12,062, the Abu Dhabi index climbed to 9,312, the Dubai index ascended to 4,583, the Qatar index increased to 10,591, and the Bahrain index rose by 0.3% to 2,017. Meanwhile, the Oman index retreated by 0.6% to 4,766, and the Kuwait market closed flat at 7,611.