FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Dubai Financial Market General Index

^DFMGI
IndexIndex

159 stories mentioning Dubai Financial Market General IndexUpdated 2d ago

Dubai's DFM General Index rose 3.84%, with Emaar Properties soaring, as UAE equities rebounded on US-Iran peace deal optimism.

What's the latest news on Dubai Financial Market General Index?

Asia Markets

UAE Shares Begin New Week in Green; US to Impose New Economic Sanctions on Iran

Stocks in the United Arab Emirates closed Monday in the green territory as investors brushed aside concerns about the US plans to impose new economic sanctions on Iran.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index gained 0.438%, while the DFM General Index was up 0.154%.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US will impose new sanctions on Iran, to be announced in a press conference on Monday. The news follows US President Donald Trump's threats last week to ramp up economic pressure on the Middle Eastern country and its trading partners."The measures have been described by the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as an 'Economic D-Day', while Iran has warned that no oil will flow from the Gulf if the 'economic war' continues. Although direct military strikes have eased in recent weeks, the lack of meaningful negotiations means the prospects for any deal are slim in the short term," Danske Bank commented.On the economic calendar this week is the release of the personal consumption expenditures price index for July, the US Fed's preferred inflation gauge, on Wednesday.Closer to home, the UAE and Egypt agreed to hold specialized technical meetings to explore areas of collaboration for the latter's targeted onshore and offshore well-drilling program. The strategic partnership was discussed between Adnoc Drilling Co. (ADX:ADNOCDRILL) Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Ateya Al Messabi and Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi. Adnoc Drilling lost 0.16% at closing.On the corporate side, the National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah (ADX:RAKBANK), d/b/a Rakbank, launched a new offering for customers, enabling them to access Bitcoin and execute transactions with their current and savings accounts through the bank's Rakbank Islamic platform. Shares of the Emirati lender closed the session 0.43% higher.Al Ansari Financial Services (DFM:ALANSARI) unit Al Ansari Exchange partnered with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to launch nol travel cards for cashless payments across Dubai's public transport network. Al Ansari Financial Services shares were flat at closing.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADNOCDRILLADX:RAKBANKDFM:ALANSARI
Equities

Update: Market Chatter: Saudi Aramco Reportedly Books Crude Orders from Two Chinese Buyers

(Updates to add Saudi Aramco's statement)Saudi Arabian Oil Co (SASE:2222), d/b/a Saudi Aramco, received orders for a total of 4 ​million barrels of crude for loading outside the Strait of Hormuz from two Chinese buyers, Reuters wrote Thursday, citing unnamed trade sources.PetroChina and Sinochem reportedly each purchased 2 million barrels of Arab Medium ​and Arab Heavy crude cargoes, which the Saudi Arabian oil giant offered on Monday for delivery via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah in the United Arab ​Emirates.Saudi Aramco declined to comment when reached by.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^DFMGI^FADGISASE:2222
Asia Markets

Emirati Indices End Week Mixed as US Vows Economic Pressure on Iran

Stock trading in the United Arab Emirates struggled to find direction on Friday as Abu Dhabi's FTSE ADX General Index declined 0.707%, while Dubai's DFM General Index gained 0.291% at closing.Following US President Donald Trump's threats to intensify economic pressure on Iran and nations that continue to do business with the Middle Eastern country, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the details of these US measures would be revealed next week.Meanwhile, Iranian military Chief Ali Abdollahi said that any response to military threats would be "crushing" and "devastating.""In his CNBC interview yesterday, Bessent also said that oil markets were 'misinterpreting' what this economic pressure means, and that he would hold a press conference on Monday to discuss the next steps. With lingering questions of whether the US could target countries economically supporting Iran, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman said 'sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue,'" Deutsche Bank Research commented.Zooming in at home, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange recorded a 99% compliance rate for listed companies' audited financial statements disclosures for the first half. The bourse also reported a 38% year-over-year growth in aggregate profits of these listed companies for the period.Over to corporates, Borouge (ADX:BOROUGE) approved an unchanged interim dividend of 0.081 Emirati dirham per share for the first half of 2026, bringing the total amount of dividends paid to $4.9 billion since its IPO in June 2022. The petrochemicals company closed the session flat.Elsewhere, Al Ramz Capital (DFM:ALRAMZ) renewed its liquidity provision agreement with Adnoc Drilling (ADX:ADNOCDRILL). Al Ramz Capital shares were flat on the Dubai Financial Market, while Adnoc Drilling gained 0.16% on the Abu Dhabi bourse at closing.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADNOCDRILLADX:BOROUGEDFM:ALRAMZ
Equities

Market Chatter: Saudi Aramco Reportedly Books Crude Orders from Two Chinese Buyers

Saudi Arabian Oil Co (SASE:2222), d/b/a Saudi Aramco, received orders for a total of 4 ​million barrels of crude for loading outside the Strait of Hormuz from two Chinese buyers, Reuters wrote Thursday, citing unnamed trade sources.PetroChina and Sinochem reportedly each purchased 2 million barrels of Arab Medium ​and Arab Heavy crude cargoes, which the Saudi Arabian oil giant offered on Monday for delivery via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah in the United Arab ​Emirates.Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^DFMGI^FADGISASE:2222
Asia Markets

Emirati Shares Close Mixed as Investors Assess US Fed Meeting Minutes

United Arab Emirates' two benchmark indices diverged on Thursday as investors digested minutes of the US Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting, weighing signals on future rate cuts.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was up 0.694%, while the DFM General Index was little changed at 0.04% in the red."The minutes to the July Federal Reserve FOMC policy meeting lean a touch hawkishly, but that was to be expected given three officials had dissented. Beth Hammack, Lorie Logan and Neel Kashkari had all voted for an immediate 25bp interest rate increase, while nine other committee members voted to hold the fed funds range at 3.5-3.75%," ING said. "The minutes showed 'several participants' favoured a rate hike and 'many' assessed that rate hikes would likely be needed if inflation didn't decline. In the end though 'most' supported holding rates steady."Over to geopolitics, US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he would intensify economic pressure on Iran and also vowed "tremendous" economic consequences against countries supporting or trading with the Middle Eastern country.The latest comments from Trump also put upward pressure on oil prices, which extended gains for a fifth consecutive day. As of 03:43 pm UAE time, Brent crude oil futures were trading at nearly $94.262 per barrel, up 2.88% from the previous day.Back home and on the corporate side, Abu Dhabi Ports (ADX:ADPORTS), d/b/a AD Ports Group, shares closed the session flat. The port and industrial zones developer announced that Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., d/b/a ADQ, appointed International Securities LLC as the co-manager of its voluntary conditional cash offer for the company.Dubai Islamic Bank (DFM:DIB) launched a new off-plan home finance proposition, offering customers Sharia-compliant financing of up to 50% of the property value being purchased from developers in the country. Shares of the Emirati lender were up 0.95% at closing.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADPORTSDFM:DIB
Asia Markets

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Stocks Fall as Iran Tensions Flare Up

Markets in the United Arab Emirates closed lower on Wednesday as investors adopted a cautious stance on reports of renewed regional tensions with Iran.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was down 0.912%, while the DFM General Index declined 0.28%.The UAE Ministry of Defence said Tuesday that the country's air defense systems detected two ballistic missiles from Iran. The missiles targeted maritime traffic and fell into the sea. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, however, denied the claims, describing them as "baseless."As tensions between the two Middle Eastern countries renewed, the UAE halted all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran, citing threats to regional security and international peace.Amid a quiet day for regional corporate news, Parkin (DFM:PARKIN) gained 2.14% at closing as it signed a memorandum of understanding with Modon Misr for Asset & Facility Management, Mwasalat Misr and Redcon Properties to explore joint initiatives in advanced parking management and mobility services in Egypt.Elsewhere, Jefferies launched its coverage of Fertiglobe (ADX:FERTIGLB) with a buy rating and set a price target of 3.50 Emirati dirhams, stating that the Abu Dhabi-listed fertilizer producer's diversified plant locations partially shield it from trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Fertiglobe's shares ended the session 0.77% in the green.In other news, markets will await the release of the US Federal Reserve's highly anticipated Federal Open Market Committee July meeting minutes later in the day to get clues on future interest rate decisions, voting divisions among members, and inflation."Markets are looking for a more detailed sense of the committee's thinking beyond Kevin Warsh's limited forward guidance. Three participants voted in favour of a hike, and since then, several others have flagged willingness to support a hike if warranted by incoming data," Danske Bank commented.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:FERTIGLBDFM:PARKIN
Asia Markets

UAE Stocks in Green Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Oil Jitters

Stocks in the United Arab Emirates closed higher on Tuesday, as investors shrugged off continued jitters over the US-Iran agreement and oil price volatility.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index added 0.215%, while the DFM General Index was somewhat muted but up 0.037% in the green.US President Donald Trump expressed no interest in renewing the 60-day memorandum of understanding signed with Iran in June. Trump also threatened military action on Oman if it intervenes in its efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Reuters reported Monday, citing a senior Iranian official, that Iran will shift to a "fully offensive" military stance as diplomatic efforts to finalize a deal with the US stalled. The media outlet also cited Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Tuesday, saying that Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the US fulfills its conditions, including removal of naval blockade and sanctions, release of frozen assets, and an end to military action on all fronts."With both sides still far apart, investors grew pessimistic that the Strait of Hormuz would properly reopen any time soon. So that meant Brent crude oil prices (+2.65%) rose to $90.87/bbl by the close, their highest level since late July," Deutsche Bank Research said. "In other words, investors are pricing in a more protracted period of higher oil prices again."Zooming in at home, the UAE Central Bank reported a 17.1% increase in the country's banking system's total assets to 5.3 trillion Emirati dirhams at the end of 2025, with a 17.8% growth in loan portfolio. Net profits of the banking system rose 11.7% year-over-year to 90.8 billion dirhams in 2025.Over to corporates, Agility Global (ADX:AGILITY) said that it is exploring options, including a sale, for its Tristar business and is in active discussion with interested parties. Shares of the Abu Dhabi-listed investment and asset management company closed the session 2.99% higher.Emaar Properties (DFM:EMAAR) was the Dubai bourse's most traded stock by value and closed the session 0.18% in the green. The real estate developer's subsidiary Emaar Hospitality Group will launch its Vida Aljada five-star hotel in Sharjah in 2026.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:AGILITYDFM:EMAAR
Asia Markets

Emirati Equities Diverge Amid Uncertainty Over US-Iran Deal

Shares trading in the United Arab Emirates began the week mixed as investors assess rising concerns over regional supply disruptions and growing uncertainty over a potential deal between the US and Iran.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index gained 0.293%%, while the DFM General Index fell 0.501%.Following the end of the 60-day deadline under the June memorandum of understanding, the US and Iran remain no closer to permanently ending the war than, having failed to reach an agreement over the Strait of Hormuz or Tehran's nuclear program."Prices remained supported by renewed fighting in Lebanon and attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over regional supply disruptions and complicating prospects for a US-Iran deal," ING said. As of 3:45 pm UAE time, the Brent crude oil futures stood at nearly $89.322 per barrel, up 0.91% from the previous day.As part of the attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., or Adnoc, confirmed that one of its vessels was attacked on the evening of Aug. 14, but it did not result in any injuries.Back home, the UAE completed trade worth 304.3 billion Emirati dirhams in the first half with countries with which it has implemented comprehensive economic partnership agreements. The country signed 38 such deals, with Canada and Ukraine agreeing to join its network of trading partners in July.On the corporate front, Abu Dhabi Ports (ADX:ADPORTS), d/b/a AD Ports Group, received a potential takeover offer from Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., a subsidiary of L'imad Holding, to acquire the port and industrial zones developer's entire issued and paid-up share capital. AD Ports' shares closed the session 14.9% in the green.Over in Dubai, Al Sagr National Insurance (DFM:ASNIC) reported a wider loss for the first half, while Agility Public Warehousing Co. (DFM:MKHZN), d/b/a Makhazen, logged a decrease in its attributable loss for the six months ended June 30. Al Sagr closed the session flat.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADPORTSDFM:ASNICDFM:MKHZN
International

UAE's H1 Trade With Comprehensive Economic Partnership Signatories Reaches AED304.3 Billion

The United Arab Emirates concluded trade worth 304.3 billion Emirati dirhams in the first half with countries with which it has implemented a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, according to an Aug. 15 release.Exports to these markets totaled 66.1 billion dirhams. Since the program's debut in September 2021, the UAE has signed 38 comprehensive economic partnership deals, with Canada and Ukraine agreeing to join the UAE's network of trading partners in July 2026.

^DFMGI^FADGI
Asia Markets

UAE Shares Close Week Diverged; AD Ports Group Blinks Red

Markets in the United Arab Emirates concluded the trading week on both sides of the line as investors brushed aside geopolitical and oil concerns to focus on the latest corporate earnings reports from the region.At the close of Friday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was little changed at 0.024% in the green, while the DFM General Index shed 0.376%.As the corporate earnings season draws to a close, Abu Dhabi Ports (ADX:ADPORTS), d/b/a AD Ports Group, and Orascom Construction (ADX:ORAS) reported higher attributable profits for the first six months. Al Ansari Financial Services (DFM:ALANSARI), on the other hand, logged a 28.7% year-on-year decline in post-tax net profit amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions and market volatility.AD Ports and Al Ansari Financial Services ended the session 2.49% and 0.31% lower, respectively, while Orascom Construction gained 1.79%.Over to geopolitics, state-owned oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., or Adnoc, confirmed attacks on two of its vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes, however, did not result in any injuries.Oil prices extended gains on Friday as Brent crude oil futures were trading at nearly $87.32 per barrel, up 0.29% from the previous day at 3:13 pm UAE time amid no signs of resumption of shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, multiple media outlets also reported drone attacks on Aramco's refinery in Saudi Arabia."Brent did rise from its intraday low of $85.85/bbl after the Houthi-run Saba news agency reported that the Houthis were targeting the Aramco refinery in the Jizan region. And earlier on in the session, Iran's state-run IRIB cited a joint military command spokesman, who said that no ship could safely transit the Strait of Hormuz without approval," Deutsche Bank Research said. "But overall, in the absence of material news, some of recent run up in geopolitical risk premium was taken out of oil markets, not least given the sizeable recent shipping via Hormuz by shuttle transfers and ships operating without transponders."On the economic calendar next week is the release of the US Federal Open Market Committee's July meeting, where it opted to keep interest rates steady in the 3.50% to 3.75% range. The minutes are expected to deliver insights into the US Federal Reserve's stance on future monetary policy.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADPORTSADX:ORASDFM:ALANSARI
Equities

Técnicas Reunidas Accepts Letter of Intent for $1.65 Billion Middle East Onshore Gas Development Project

Técnicas Reunidas (TRE.MC) accepted a letter of intent for a $1.65 billion project to develop onshore gas facilities in the Middle East.The Spanish engineering and construction company will build the facilities required for the reception, processing, and export of gas produced at the field under the proposed engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contract, according to a Thursday release. The deal will be signed on a lump sum turnkey basis.

^DFMGI^FADGI^TASI$TRE.MC
Asia Markets

Emirati Shares Close Mixed Amid Subdued US Inflation Data

Shares in the United Arab Emirates closed mixed as investors weighed subdued US inflation figures, boosting hopes that the Federal Reserve will keep rates steady.At the close of Thursday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index gained 0.319%, while the DFM General Index was down 0.211%.The US inflation print rose 0.1% month on month in July, bringing the year-on-year inflation rate down to 3.4%. Core inflation grew 0.2% month-on-month and 2.5% annually."Easing inflationary pressure and a weakening labour market have reduced the need for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to raise the target range for the federal funds rate at its next meeting on Sept. 16," Berenberg said. The latest economic data support our long-held call that the Fed will not raise interest rates this year. However, there are still five weeks until the next Fed meeting. Much depends on whether the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon and energy prices fall again."In other news, talks between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain heavily stalled. US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that the US has total control over the waterway, while calling the Middle Eastern country "all talk and no action."Back home and on the corporate front, Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. (ADX:TAQA), d/b/a Taqa, reported a 9.7% year-over-year increase in its first-half attributable net income driven by higher contributions from joint ventures and associates, and stable earnings from utilities businesses.Over in Dubai, Alec Holdings (DFM:ALEC) and National General Insurance (DFM:NGI) logged lower profits for the first six months ended June 30. Alec Holdings gained 2.22%, while National General Insurance shares were flat at the close of trading.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:TAQADFM:ALECDFM:NGI
Equities

Saipem Wins $1.8 Billion Offshore Contract in Middle East

Saipem (SPM.MI) said Wednesday it received an offshore contract in the Middle East worth $1.8 billion.The Italian company will provide engineering, procurement, construction and installation services for offshore and subsea facilities under the contract.

^DFMGI^FADGI^TASI$SPM.MI
Asia Markets

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Stocks Rebound Amid US Inflation Data Focus

The two benchmark indices of the United Arab Emirates closed higher on Wednesday, with Abu Dhabi's FTSE ADX General Index and Dubai's DFM General Index adding 0.054% and 0.689%, respectively.Markets brace for the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' release of the consumer price index report for July later in the day, which is expected to provide investors with signals on inflation and the US Federal Reserve's future interest rate policy."Our US economists think that headline CPI will come in at a monthly +0.15% pace, which would bring the year-on-year rate down to +3.45%, with a decline in gas prices weighing on that headline number. Meanwhile, they see core CPI coming in a bit stronger at +0.26% on the month, which would leave the year-on-year reading at +2.51%," Deutsche Bank Research said.On the geopolitical front, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis attacked a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait on Tuesday, resulting in six casualties. Meanwhile, the US military launched missiles at a cargo ship attempting to breach its naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman, media reports said.Zooming in at home, foreign investment in Dubai's real estate rose 26% year over year to 148.35 billion Emirati dirhams in the first quarter, with total real estate transactions reaching 252 billion dirhams.On the corporate side, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. (ADX:ADNIC) shares closed flat as it reported a decline in first-half attributable profit due to recognition of war-related provisions and short-term volatility in the investment market.Elsewhere, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DFM:DEWA), d/b/a Dewa's, attributable profit for the six months ended June 30 jumped to 3.19 billion dirhams from 2.76 billion dirhams, driven by a 1.8% year-over-year increase in revenue. Its shares closed the session 0.36% in the green.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADNICDFM:DEWA
Equities

IEA Lowers Global Oil Demand Forecast for 2026 Amid Renewed US-Iran Hostilities

The International Energy Agency expects global oil demand to fall more than previously anticipated in 2026, as maritime and supply chain disruptions caused by renewed hostilities between the US and Iran undermined recovery efforts.In its August oil market report published Wednesday, the IEA said global oil demand is now projected to decline by 1.6 million barrels per day on average in 2026, 510,000 barrels per day higher than its forecast a month ago, as fuel prices remained elevated due to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the interim ceasefire deal collapsed mid-June. Demand is anticipated to see growth in the final quarter of 2026, then expand by 2.4 million barrels per day in 2027.Meanwhile, global supply is now forecast to drop by an average of 4.3 million barrels of oil per day in 2026, to 102 million barrels per day, before rebounding by 8.3 million barrels per day to 110.3 million barrels per day in the next year."Although the market is projected to return to surplus towards the end of this year, risks remain substantial and the urgency of reopening the Strait has increased, as previously available inventory buffers are rapidly depleting," the IEA noted.

^DFMGI^FADGIFTSE 100^SSMI^SXXP^TASI
Asia Markets

Emirati Indices Close Lower as US-Iran Hormuz Deal Optimism Fades

Stock trading in the United Arab Emirates ended in the red again on Tuesday as optimism for a US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz dimmed, sparking concerns of prolonged supply disruptions.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index shed 0.763%, while the DFM General Index lost 0.359%.US President Donald Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform that he is demanding Iran pay compensation for people killed in war and protests and that the condition would be put "firmly" into all future negotiations. Trump's statement came after Iran asked the US for war damages to reopen the Hormuz waterway."By this point, you'd think markets would be largely immune to headlines about a US-Iran deal. The pattern keeps repeating - initial enthusiasm when negotiations appear promising, only for that optimism to dissipate just as quickly. Yet the oil market remains very headline-driven, which leaves prices whipsawing," ING said. "Current rhetoric suggests any potential deal is still some way off, meaning risks remain skewed to the upside for oil prices."Back home and on the corporate front, Adnoc Logistics & Services (ADX:ADNOCLS) gained 3.61% and was the Abu Dhabi bourse's most traded stock by value at closing. The energy maritime logistics company reported a higher first-half attributable profit of $1.12 billion, driven by strong growth in its shipping segment and improved operating leverage.Over in Dubai, National Central Cooling (DFM:TABREED), d/b/a Tabreed's, attributable profit for the first six months declined due to higher financing costs and additional interest expenses related to acquisition-related debt. Its shares closed the season 0.41% lower.On the economic calendar is the release of the July consumer price index report on Wednesday. The data, released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, provide investors with insights into the US Federal Reserve's next interest rate move.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADNOCLSDFM:TABREED
International

KOF Global Barometers Diverge in August

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute's global economic barometers diverged in August 2026 but remained above the 100-point level, indicating continued "moderate" economic growth worldwide.The coincident global barometer edged down 0.4 points to 103.2 points, according to a Monday release. The leading barometer, meanwhile, reached its highest level since February 2022, increasing 2.7 points to 104.4 points.The decline in the coincident barometer was mainly due to negative contributions from the Asia, Pacific & Africa region and the Western Hemisphere. On the other hand, the rise in the leading barometer was largely attributed to the positive contribution from the Asia, Pacific & Africa region.

^DFMGI^FADGIFTSE 100^SSMI^SXXP^TASI
Asia Markets

UAE Shares in Red as Geopolitical Jitters, Volatile Oil Prices Remain in Focus

Stocks in the United Arab Emirates closed lower on the first trading day of the week as uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and fluctuating oil prices dampened sentiment.At the close of Monday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index lost 0.101%, while the DFM General Index was down 0.73%."Oil prices remain supported by uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. While US President Donald Trump said Washington is 'semi-negotiating' with Iran, suggesting a focus on economic pressure rather than military escalation, significant hurdles remain before any broader agreement is reached," ING analysts said. "Reports indicate that Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on a shipping route through Hormuz, though a full reopening of the waterway is still likely to depend on progress in US-Iran talks."As of 3:45 pm UAE time, the Brent crude oil futures stood at nearly $84.803 per barrel, up 1.50% from the previous day.Zooming in at home, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange recorded a 3.7% year-over-year growth in total trading volume in the first half, achieving a market capitalization of 2.8 billion Emirati dirhams and net positive inflows of 1.4 billion dirhams."In H1 2026, we continued to expand market access, strengthen infrastructure, and introduce innovations and solutions to enable local and international investors to participate in our market more efficiently and in a more timely manner. The results reflect an agile platform designed for resilience, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation," Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi commented.Over to corporates, Adnoc Gas (ADX:ADNOCGAS) gained 0.59% at closing and was the Abu Dhabi bourse's most traded stock by value and volume. The natural gas distribution company's profit for the first half fell 34% year-on-year due to export disruptions amid ongoing regional developments in the Middle East.Emirates Investment Bank (DFM:EIBANK) logged a lower profit of 11.1 million dirhams for the period. Shares of the Dubai-listed lender were flat at the time of closing.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADNOCGASDFM:EIBANK
Equities

Berenberg Cuts Technip Energies Price Target Amid Middle East Cost Headwinds; Buy Rating Kept

Berenberg lowered its price target for Technip Energies (TE.PA) to 40 euros from 45 euros, as analysts noted cost headwinds in the French energy infrastructure company's Middle Eastern projects."Activity on the company's Middle East projects was normalising through Q2, but costs increased given the additional logistics and safety measures required (an incremental EUR30m-40m per quarter). There are also certain disputed items that Technip Energies should be reimbursed for. Prudently, the company has provided for these additional costs, which led to PD Q2 EBITDA margins declining by 590bp yoy to 1.7% and an FY26 EBITDA margin guidance cut to more than 5.0% (from 6.5-7.5%)," according to a Monday note.Subsequently, the research firm reduced its sales, EBIT, and EPS projections for 2026 to 2028 to reflect the revised guidance, the ongoing disruption and the "likely dilutive" impact from future cost recoveries.On the flip side, Berenberg noted a potential upside to the margin guidance, modelling 5.5% for 2026. "We think there is upside to current margin guidance as client agreements are finalised, assuming the conflict does not intensify further. Despite this, the exceptionally high order intake underscores the strong medium-term outlook, reinforced by a record EUR25bn backlog."The stock's buy rating is unchanged.

^DFMGI^FADGI^TASI$TE.PA
Asia Markets

UAE Stocks Close Mixed as Corporate Earnings Take Center Stage

Markets in the United Arab Emirates ended the trading week diverging as investors digested fresh corporate earnings while weighing uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations.The country's two benchmark indices closed mixed on Friday as Abu Dhabi's FTSE ADX General Index lost 0.256% and Dubai's DFM General Index gained 0.448%.As another busy earnings week came to a close, Dana Gas (ADX:DANA) reported a 47% year-over-year growth in its net profit for the first six months, driven by higher revenue, and closed the session 2.80% higher. Insurance House (ADX:IH) stocks, on the other hand, plunged 4.86% despite a surge in its net profit for the period.Emaar Properties (DFM:EMAAR) and its subsidiary Emaar Development (DFM:EMAARDEV) logged 22% and 48% year-over-year jumps in their first-half attributable profits, respectively. Emaar Properties closed 0.86% lower and was the Dubai bourse's most traded stock by value, while Emaar Development shed 1.62% at closing.On the geopolitical front, markets weighed the initial details of the Iran-Oman agreement to reopen the Hormuz waterway, which comprises a potential ban on US and Israeli vessels, transit fees of 5% to 7% and a penalty of up to 20% of cargo value on hostile countries, and other compensation for damage."Despite clear signs of progress in recent days, the tenor of the rhetoric and growing distrust between the US and Iran mean things could go from bad to worse once again," ING said. "For now, we hold onto our view that flows will start to normalise through the third quarter, which leaves us expecting Brent to average $80/bbl this quarter. However, there's plenty of risk and uncertainty to this view."On the economic calendar next week is the release of July's consumer price index print by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing investors with an overview of inflation and the US Federal Reserve's next monetary policy move.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:DANAADX:IHDFM:EMAARDFM:EMAARDEV

Showing 21-40 of 159

Track with the FINWIRES app suite