Latest news with #MarketResearchMENA
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mideast Stocks: Dubai bourse eases amid US-China trade war; Abu Dhabi gains
Dubai's stock market slipped on Friday, weighed down by investor concerns over the rapidly intensifying U.S.-China trade war and its potential economic impact, although the Abu Dhabi index finished higher. Beijing on Friday increased its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, hitting back against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hike duties on Chinese goods to 145% and raising the stakes in a trade war that threatens to upend global supply chains. Dubai's main share index fell 0.2%, hit by a 2.2% drop in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties and a 4.8% slide in Commercial Bank of Dubai. However, the Dubai index managed to eke out a weekly gain of 0.3%. Regionally, markets were significantly impacted this week by ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and its economic partners, said Ahmed Negm, Head of Market Research MENA at In Abu Dhabi, the index added 0.4%, helped by a 1.7% rise in Alpha Dhabi Holding. Oil prices - a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - rose, but still headed for a second straight week in the red on concerns about a prolonged trade war between the United States and China. According to Negm, persistently low oil prices continue to pose a risk to the market and investor sentiment. Abu Dhabi rose 0.4% to 9,158 Dubai fell 0.2% to 4,966
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Omani stock market continues its downtrend while welcoming its first IPO of 2025
Muscat: The Omani stock market experienced a slightly negative performance during the week, marking its fifth consecutive week of losses. This downward trend reflects the broader regional market performance, where most markets ended negatively, according to an industry watcher. 'Sentiment remains exposed to global conditions, particularly the escalating trade tensions as the US implements tariffs on its economic partners. This has prompted retaliatory measures, increasing overall economic uncertainty,' said Ahmed Negm, Head of Market Research MENA at Oil prices have also had a significant impact on the Omani market, especially considering the current low levels and the commodity's critical importance for regional economies, even though prices stabilised this week at their support levels, he further said. 'The Omani stock market, like other regional markets, could continue to be influenced by developments in trade tensions and oil price movements, while any improvements could potentially help the market recover,' said Ahmed Negm. The Omani market saw the introduction of Asyaad Shipping, the first initial public offering (IPO) in the Omani market this year. This follows a successful offering that enriches the market's diversity and increases its appeal to international investors, providing a positive note amidst the current challenging market conditions. Performances on the sector level this week were mixed across the Omani stock market. The Industrial sector emerged as the worst performer with a decline of 2.66%. Within this sector, Oman Cement fell by 1.42%, while Oman Flour Mills experienced a more significant drop of 8.06%. Al Anwar Ceramic also contributed to the sector's poor performance with a 5.83% decrease. The Services sector similarly finished on the negative side, declining by 0.99%. In this segment, Oman Telecom saw a modest decrease of 0.25%, while OQ Gas Networks fell by 0.77%. Renaissance Services registered a more substantial decline of 4.64%, further weighing on the sector's overall performance. The Financial sector stood out as the only positive performer this week, demonstrating resilience amidst the broader market weakness. National Bank Oman led this sector with a 7.14% gain and was the market's most traded stock based on value and volume. Oman Emirates Holding rose by 1.56%, while Muscat Insurance delivered the strongest performance with a substantial rise of 45.94%. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
15-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Omani stock market continues its downtrend while welcoming its first IPO of 2025
Muscat: The Omani stock market experienced a slightly negative performance during the week, marking its fifth consecutive week of losses. This downward trend reflects the broader regional market performance, where most markets ended negatively, according to an industry watcher. 'Sentiment remains exposed to global conditions, particularly the escalating trade tensions as the US implements tariffs on its economic partners. This has prompted retaliatory measures, increasing overall economic uncertainty,' said Ahmed Negm, Head of Market Research MENA at Oil prices have also had a significant impact on the Omani market, especially considering the current low levels and the commodity's critical importance for regional economies, even though prices stabilised this week at their support levels, he further said. 'The Omani stock market, like other regional markets, could continue to be influenced by developments in trade tensions and oil price movements, while any improvements could potentially help the market recover,' said Ahmed Negm. The Omani market saw the introduction of Asyaad Shipping, the first initial public offering (IPO) in the Omani market this year. This follows a successful offering that enriches the market's diversity and increases its appeal to international investors, providing a positive note amidst the current challenging market conditions. Performances on the sector level this week were mixed across the Omani stock market. The Industrial sector emerged as the worst performer with a decline of 2.66%. Within this sector, Oman Cement fell by 1.42%, while Oman Flour Mills experienced a more significant drop of 8.06%. Al Anwar Ceramic also contributed to the sector's poor performance with a 5.83% decrease. The Services sector similarly finished on the negative side, declining by 0.99%. In this segment, Oman Telecom saw a modest decrease of 0.25%, while OQ Gas Networks fell by 0.77%. Renaissance Services registered a more substantial decline of 4.64%, further weighing on the sector's overall performance. The Financial sector stood out as the only positive performer this week, demonstrating resilience amidst the broader market weakness. National Bank Oman led this sector with a 7.14% gain and was the market's most traded stock based on value and volume. Oman Emirates Holding rose by 1.56%, while Muscat Insurance delivered the strongest performance with a substantial rise of 45.94%.
Times of Oman
15-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
MSX declines 1.88% amid global economic headwinds and mixed sector performance
Muscat: The Omani stock market suffered a sharp downturn this week by 1.88%, reversing last week's positive performance, and bringing values back to levels not seen since late last year, according to an industry expert. 'The decline eliminated all the positive gains built up earlier this year following the fourth-quarter results. It was influenced by various external factors affecting regional markets, particularly the ongoing trade war led by US President Donald Trump,' said Ahmed Negm, Head of Market Research MENA at 'His decisions on additional tariffs have created further uncertainty regarding economic stability and trade relations. Additionally, geopolitical developments in the region have potentially impacted investor sentiment,' he further added. Oil prices demonstrated significant volatility this week, failing to recover despite several attempts, which further weighed on the market. Another significant factor was the US inflation data, which showed an unexpected jump, increasing the likelihood that interest rates could stay high for longer. The outlook was reinforced by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech this week, where he emphasised that the Fed remains data-dependent and will continue monitoring inflation and labour market data before deciding on potential rate cuts this year. Markets are currently pricing in one rate cut by the Fed this year, fewer than previously anticipated. Additionally, market performance was affected by corporate board meetings and their subsequent dividend distribution announcements. Performances on the sector level were mixed this week. The Services sector demonstrated a negative performance this week, declining by 1.60%. Within this sector, several key companies faced downward pressure: OQ Gas Networks experienced a decline of 2.27%, followed by Oman Telecom which fell by 1.89%, while OQ Exploration and Production decreased by 1.58%. The Financial sector also posted negative returns, dropping by 1.13% for the week. Among the major banking institutions, Sohar International Bank recorded the largest decline of 3.60%, while Bank Nizwa fell by 1.92%. Muscat Bank declined by 0.78%. In contrast to other sectors, the Industrial sector emerged as a bright spot, advancing by 3.16%. The standout performer was Jazeera Steel Products, which surged by 20.63% following its dividend announcement of 43 Baiza per share. Other notable gains within the sector included Voltamp Energy, which rose by 8.61%, and Oman Cement, which appreciated by 2.53%.
