Stock markets in the Gulf tracked global peers higher on Thursday, led by the Qatar index, as the optimism around potential U.S. interest rate cuts raised investors' risk appetite.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index rose for the fourth straight session, up 0.7%, with most of its constituents posting gains © Mena Today
Stock markets in the Gulf tracked global peers higher on Thursday, led by the Qatar index, as the optimism around potential U.S. interest rate cuts raised investors' risk appetite.
Data on Wednesday showed lower growth in the U.S. services industry and bolstered optimism over the potential easing of monetary policy. Sentiment was aided by a reaffirmation from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that U.S. rates were still on course to be cut this year, though the timing was data-dependent.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index gained 2%, with almost all stocks in the green.
By Md Manzer Hussain
The Economist Intelligence, in its latest report “Middle East Outlook 2026”, anticipates an economic rebound across much of the region—provided a fragile calm holds after years of geopolitical volatility, conflict, and energy market disruptions.
Taiwan and Israel have signed two agreements aimed at deepening cooperation on intellectual property protection and expediting patent examinations, as both economies seek to strengthen technological collaboration amid shifting global supply-chain dynamics.
Low-cost carrier Flydubai announced on Tuesday a landmark order for 150 Airbus A321neo aircraft, surpassing the size of its current fleet and marking the airline’s first-ever purchase from the European manufacturer.
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