Gulf markets track global gains after US court overturns tariffs, US-Iran nuclear talk hopes

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index edged up 0.2 percent in early trading. Shutterstock
Short Url

BANGALORE: Major Gulf stock ‌markets rose in early trade on Monday, tracking global peers after the US Supreme Court struck down import levies ​imposed by President Donald Trump.

The US Supreme Court ruled on Friday to overturn the tariffs, which Trump had implemented under a law intended for national emergencies, a decision seen as impactful for global trade dynamics.

On Saturday, Trump responded by announcing a temporary tariff hike on US imports globally, raising ‌rates from ‌10 percent to 15 percent.

Investor sentiment was ​also ‌supported ⁠by ​preparations for ⁠a third round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, easing concerns about a potential escalation in regional tensions.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index edged up 0.2 percent, recovering slightly from a near 2 percent drop in the previous session. Al Rajhi Bank, the ⁠world’s largest Islamic lender, gained over 1 percent, ‌reversing some losses after ‌a sharp 2.9 percent decline on Thursday, ​its worst in nearly ‌five months.

Dubai’s main share index climbed 1.3 percent in a broad-based ⁠rally, ⁠led by a 2.1 percent gain in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties and a 1.8 percent leap in Emirates NBD Bank .

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation climbed 2.3 percent after announcing a contract award for the design of its fifth district cooling plant in Dubai’s Business Bay.

In Abu Dhabi, the index rose 0.5 percent, buoyed by a 1.2 percent increase in Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

Qatar’s index also gained 0.5 percent, driven ​by banking shares, including ​a nearly 1 percent uptick in Qatar National Bank , the region’s largest lender.