Saudi Arabia index closes at lowest since early April
May 27 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's main stock index closed down on Tuesday, reaching its lowest level since April 7 as market sentiment remains fragile due to the unpredictability of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs policy.
The index (.TASI), opens new tab shed 1.30% on Tuesday, underperforming its peers in the Middle East. Healthcare services provider AlMoosa Health Company (4018.SE), opens new tab was the top loser on the index, down 7.29%.
Saudi Aramco (2222.SE), opens new tab is also seeking to raise funds through a dollar-denominated three-part bond sale, with the country's oil giant also exploring potential asset sales to release funds to pursue international expansion as reported last week.
Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday, with Brent crude futures down 28 cents, or 0.4%, at $64.46, on expectations of OPEC+ to increase output at a meeting later this week.
Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI), opens new tab closed up 0.37%, with Amlak Finance (AMLK.DU), opens new tab extending gains and closing up 5.61%. The company announced a board meeting for later this week to discuss asset sales and a potential exit from its real estate finance portfolio. The stock hit its highest level since 2008.
In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index (.FTFADGI), opens new tab settled up 0.16%.
The Qatari benchmark stock index (.QSI), opens new tab fell 0.78%, with dairy producer Baladna Company (BLDN.QA), opens new tab down 1.28%.
Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA), opens new tab, the largest bank in the region by assets, closed down 1.10%.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30), opens new tab settled up 1.49% with financial services provider Beltone Financial Holding (BTFH.CA), opens new tab up 6.76% and automotive company GB Auto (GBCO.CA), opens new tab up 6.30%.
Egypt's central bank lowered its overnight interest rates by a less-than-expected 100 basis points last week.
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