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

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Stocks Blink Red; Oil Prices Fall as US Eases Iran Sanctions

Markets in the United Arab Emirates ended lower on Tuesday as the FTSE ADX General Index shed 0.11%, while the DFM General Index lost 1.269%.Oil prices dropped after the US issued a 60-day sanctions waiver to allow the export of Iranian oil. The lifting of sanctions is one of Iran's demands in the memorandum of understanding signed with the US to reach a final deal."Looking ahead, the key uncertainty remains how quickly oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz can normalise. Obviously, this depends on how quickly upstream oil production in the Persian Gulf can return," ING said. "Clearly, the evolution of US-Iran talks will be crucial to how quickly energy flows resume. As we've seen in recent days, the ceasefire remains fragile. There's a very real risk of a further flare-up in tensions."As of 3:27 pm UAE time, the Brent crude oil futures stood at nearly $77.906 per barrel, up 0.01% from the previous day.Zooming in at home, Abu Dhabi's Department of Health and French biopharmaceutical company Sanofi signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate the development of a vaccine innovation center in Abu Dhabi in a bid to bolster vaccine discovery capabilities, messenger ribonucleic acid research, and clinical development and manufacturing.Over to corporates, Burjeel Holdings (ADX:BURJEEL) launched its $1.50 billion trust certificate issuance program on the London stock exchange through its special purpose vehicle Burjeel Sukuk. Shares of the Emirati medical group closed the session 0.86% lower.Meanwhile, in Dubai, shares of International Financial Advisors (DFM:IFA) ended 0.17% in the green as it canceled its ordinary general assembly scheduled on June 29 due to the withdrawal of certain candidates and decided to restart a one-month nomination process.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:BURJEELDFM:IFA
Asia Markets

Emirati Shares Begin New Week Upbeat; US-Iran Peace Talks Progress

United Arab Emirates stocks closed higher on the first trading day of the week, buoyed by progress in peace talks and easing tensions between the US and Iran.At the close of Monday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was up 0.189%, while the DFM General Index added 0.324%.The US and Iran concluded their first round of talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland. Both countries agreed to a 60-day roadmap towards reaching a final deal, the establishment of a direct communication line to safeguard commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and a mechanism to end military operations in Lebanon."While the market is pricing a reopening of the Strait, risks remain to oil supply related to the negotiations. If the negotiations around nuclear materials and operations are unsuccessful, there is no guarantee that the Strait will remain open. Further conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah could also derail the negotiations," Berenberg said.Back at home, Abu Dhabi Registration Authority logged a 21% year-over-year growth in new economic licenses in the first quarter despite the ongoing regional developments in the Middle East.On the corporate front, Abu Dhabi National Co. for Building Materials (ADX:BILDCO), d/b/a Bildco, closed the session 0.57% in the red. The building materials company appointed Woods Bagot as the lead master planning consultant for its sustainable urban development project in Abu Dhabi.On the other hand, pure-play real estate investment trust Dubai Residential REIT (DFM:DUBAIRESI) secured inclusion in the FTSE EPRA Nareit Emerging Index following a recent review by FTSE Russell. Its shares ended the session unchanged.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:BILDCODFM:DUBAIRESI
Asia Markets

UAE Stocks Snap Winning Streak as US-Iran Defer Peace Talks

Emirati Equities ended a three-day winning streak on the last day of a shortened trading week, which saw the release of the US Federal Reserve interest rate decision and the signing of an interim deal between the US and Iran.At the close of Friday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index fell 0.956%, while the DFM General Index lost 1.691%.The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday that the planned peace talks between the US and Iran on the same day have been postponed, injecting fresh uncertainty into the recently signed initial peace deal.Also weighing on sentiment were Israel's airstrikes in southern Lebanon that resulted in at least 18 casualties, as reported by various media outlets. The end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, was a key demand from Iran for any peace agreement."Ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which have continued post-deal signing, pose perhaps the greatest near-term threat to the deal, as officials in Tehran insist that they represent a clear violation of the MoU. Hence, while the deal is not necessarily dead on arrival, there appear to be real risks to its staying power," RBC Capital Markets said in a note.Zooming in at home, Dubai Chambers discussed and explored initiatives to boost trade and investment between Dubai and Toronto during its meetings with Canadian economic and investment institutions, including Toronto Global, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Toronto Region Board of Trade.On the corporate side, Aldar Properties (ADX:ALDAR) was the Abu Dhabi bourse's most traded stock by value and closed 1.78% lower. The real estate manager and investor launched the new Orchids at Yas Acres residential community on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.Elsewhere, Amanat Holdings (DFM:AMANAT) assumed full ownership of Cambridge Health Group after purchasing the remaining 10.03% stake it did not own in the group. Shares of the healthcare and education investment company closed the session 0.78% in the green.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ALDARDFM:AMANAT
Asia Markets

Emirati Equities Extend Rally as Central Bank Keeps Base Rate Unchanged

Shares in the United Arab Emirates extended their winning streak to a third day as investors assessed the Central Bank's decision to keep its base rate unchanged.At the close of Thursday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index gained 1.173%, while the DFM General Index added 2.51%.The UAE Central Bank decided to hold the base rate applicable to the overnight deposit facility at 3.65%, mirroring the US Federal Reserve's move on Wednesday to keep the federal funds rate unchanged between 3.50% and 3.75%. The decision was driven by the Emirati dirham's peg to the US dollar.The Emirati primary financial regulator also kept the interest rate applicable to borrowing short-term liquidity at 50 basis points above the base rate for all standing credit facilities."While Chair Warsh was unwilling to indicate the direction of the Fed funds rate ahead, nine of his 18 colleagues had no such reservations and pencilled in a hike to 3.75-4.00% by year end in the dot plot. That was a big change from the previous iteration in March, in which 12 out of 19 expected to cut this year. This, alongside Warsh's defence of his Fed's commitment to the 2% inflation half of the Fed's mandate led investors to price in 38bp of tightening this year up from 21bp previously. A hike is now fully priced in by October," Berenberg said.Boosting sentiment is the electronic signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding between US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Back home and on the corporate side, Ras Al Khaimah Co. for White Cement and Construction Materials (ADX:RAKWCT) closed 4.46% in the green. The ceramic manufacturer will pause trading on July 13 due to its annual general meeting.Meanwhile, in Dubai, Shares of Emirates NBD (DFM:EMIRATESNBD) closed 7.21% higher as it concluded the purchase of a majority stake in Indian private sector bank RBL Bank after receipt of required approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:RAKWCTDFM:EMIRATESNBD
Equities

US, Iran Sign Memorandum to End War, Reopen Hormuz Strait

The US and Iran electronically signed the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," which calls for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X early Thursday.The 14-point document, released Wednesday, entails a commitment from the two nations to negotiate and enter a final agreement within 60 days or extend the deadline with mutual consent.As part of the memorandum, the US will end its naval blockade of Iranian ports within 30 days, terminate all sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets, and propose an investment plan of at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic.The memorandum also includes the "immediate and permanent" end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and ensures that Iran will not buy or develop nuclear weapons.

^DFMGI^FADGI^TASI
Asia Markets

UAE Shares Gain Amid Focus on US Fed Rate Move

Stock trading in the United Arab Emirates ended in the green again as markets await the key interest rate decision from the world's biggest economy later in the day.At the close of Wednesday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index added 0.331%, while the DFM General Index was up 1.007%.The US Fed will release its monetary policy decision today, with analysts expecting the federal funds rate to remain unchanged in the 3.50% to 3.75% range for the fourth consecutive meeting. It will also mark Kevin Warsh's first press conference as Fed chair."We expect the policy rate will remain at 3.75%, as also priced by markets. Focus will be on his policy leanings, views on the economy and any shifts in Fed practices. Even if Warsh proves to be relatively dovish, we still expect the distribution of rate projections to move higher compared to March," Danske Bank said in a note.On the geopolitical front, the US and Iran are expected to meet in Geneva on Friday to sign their deal, comprising the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a 60-day ceasefire extension during which negotiations will take place regarding Iran's nuclear program.Zooming in at home, the Central Bank of the UAE and the Bank for International Settlements concluded their secure cross-border open finance initiative Project Aperta, confirming a secure and real-time exchange of cross-border financial data.On the corporate side, Alef Education (ADX:ALEFEDT) expanded its artificial-intelligence-powered language learning system Arabits across private schools in the UAE. Shares of the Abu Dhabi-listed K-12 education technology company closed the session 0.91% in the red.Dubai Investments' (DFM:DIC) real estate arm, Dubai Investment Real Estate, completed the final phase of villa handovers at its Danah Bay mixed-use beachfront development on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The Emirati investor closed the session 0.27% higher.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ALEFEDTDFM:DIC
Equities

IEA Forecasts Oil Market Recovery in 2027 After US-Iran Deal

The International Energy Agency expects the oil market to recover in 2027 following weak demand amid disruptions arising from the Middle East war, after the US and Iran reached an interim peace deal that could lead to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.In its June oil market report published Wednesday, the IEA said global oil demand is anticipated to decline by 1.1 million barrels per day year over year in 2026, a downgrade of 700,000 barrels per day from its previous month's forecast, as deliveries fell in the second quarter due to increased fuel prices and supply disruptions. Meanwhile, global supply is forecast to drop by 3.9 million barrels of oil per day on average in 2026, to 102.4 million barrels per day, before rebounding to 110.3 million barrels per day in the next year."Further declines in the coming months could still take global oil stocks to historic lows before the market balance shifts to surplus towards the end of the year," the IEA noted.Looking ahead, a rebound in demand growth of a "modest" 2 million barrels per day is projected in 2027 as trade flow normalizes, oil prices decline and the economic outlook brightens, under the assumption that the deal holds."While the US‑Iran interim agreement paves the way for a rebound in Middle East exports, operational and political constraints, including prolonged demining and unresolved transit arrangements, leave downside risks to the outlook," the IEA said.The US-Iran agreement is set to be signed on Friday in Switzerland.

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

Emirati Stocks Blink Green on Cheers from US-Iran Deal

Markets in the United Arab Emirates returned to trading on a positive note as investors cheered the interim agreement between the US and Iran to end their more than three-month-long war.At the close of Tuesday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was up 1.614%, while the DFM General Index gained 1.695%.Oil prices fell after US President Donald Trump said that a preliminary deal was reached with Iran comprising the extension of the ceasefire for 60 days and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with formal signing to take place in Geneva on Friday. Both countries are also expected to discuss matters around Iran's nuclear program during the ceasefire period."The US-Iran MOU is an important de-escalation, but it is not a resolution, and markets should not price it as one," Rystad Energy head of geopolitical analysis Jorge Leon commented. "Flows through the Strait will take time to normalize even if the MOU holds, and the ceasefire remains exposed to Lebanon, to sequencing disputes, and to the gap between what both sides think they signed. We are not going back to a pre-crisis oil market, but instead we are entering a more uncertain, more volatile one."On the economic front, investors will await the US Fed interest rate verdict on Wednesday to get fresh clues on how the peace deal and the possible resumption of oil flows through the Hormuz waterway will impact future monetary policies.Back home, Dubai Chambers, in cooperation with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized an open dialogue in London to highlight investment opportunities and support for British investors in Dubai as part of a recently signed free trade deal between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UK.On the corporate front, Ras Al Khaimah Co. for White Cement & Construction Materials (ADX:RAKWCT) shares ended 2.89% higher despite recording a lower profit and revenue in fiscal 2026.Elsewhere, BHM Capital Financial Services (DFM:BHMCAPITAL) activated its integration with ADX Managed Services to boost operational efficiency and security of digital transaction processing. Shares of the financial services company closed flat.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:RAKWCTDFM:BHMCAPITAL
Equities

IMF: Europe, Other Energy-importing Countries Hit Hard by Middle East War

Countries particularly hit the hardest by the war in the Middle East are those that are heavily dependent on energy imports and have limited policy space, according to the International Monetary Fund."More than three months into the war in the Middle East, the global economy appears to be holding up," IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a blog post published Monday. "But an overall resilient global picture masks significant disparities. Even among advanced economies, some countries and communities have been harder hit. And in Africa, the negative impacts are more conspicuous. Meanwhile, with the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz and infrastructure in the Middle East damaged by the fighting, uncertainty and risks remain high."Georgieva noted that Europe, which heavily relies on imported oil and gas, is facing higher inflation due to increased energy prices. France, Italy and Germany are among the euro area countries that have logged an increase in inflation since the war began in February.

^DFMGI^FADGIFTSE 100^SSMI^SXXP^TASI
Equities

US, Iran Agree to Sign Deal to End War, Reopen Hormuz Strait on Friday

The US and Iran will sign a peace deal on Friday, after which the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened, US President Donald Trump said Sunday evening."The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," Trump wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform, ordering the immediate end of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as the parties reached a framework to end the war.The preliminary pact also includes the "immediate and permanent stop of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon," according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.The official signing will take place in Switzerland, Sharif added.

^DFMGI^FADGI^TASI
Asia Markets

UAE Indices Rebound; Dubai's Emaar Properties Soars

United Arab Emirates equities were back in the green on the last trading day of the week, buoyed by optimism over a possible US-Iran peace deal. At the close of Friday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index added 2.718%, while the DFM General was up 3.84%.US President Donald Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said that he is canceling planned attacks on Iran after approval of discussions with Iran's "highest level" leadership. Trump also told White House reporters that a peace deal could be signed over the weekend in Europe.While markets await Iran's official confirmation on the proposed deal, Bloomberg News reported, citing G7 officials, that both countries are moving closer towards signing the agreement, which could take place in Geneva."It's not the first time we've been in this position. Trump has said many times before that a deal is very close, only for hostilities to resume. However, there does appear to be more positive noise around the deal this time, not just from the US but also from other parties involved in the negotiations," ING said. "Obviously, the key is the message coming out of Tehran. And for now, it has been very quiet. Therefore, we would be cautious about assuming that the extension of the ceasefire is a done deal."Closer to home, the Central Bank of the UAE and the World Bank Group agreed to collaborate on financial literacy, digital fraud prevention, and financial dispute resolution as part of an ongoing partnership between the two lenders.Over to corporates, Real estate developer Emaar Properties (DFM:EMAAR) was the Dubai bourse's most traded stock by value and closed 8.33% higher after announcing plans to disclose a 200 billion-dirham master-planned development in Dubai.International Holding Co. (ADX:IHC) shares closed the session flat as it launched the first tranche of its 5 billion-Emirati-dirham share repurchase program to buy back 1.8 billion dirhams worth of shares on Friday.The UAE bourses will be out on June 15 for the new Hijri Year 1448 or the Islamic New Year.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:IHCDFM:EMAAR
International

World Bank Lowers UAE GDP Growth Forecasts for 2026, 2027

The World Bank lowered its 2026 and 2027 economic growth projections for the United Arab Emirates amid heightened inflationary pressures due to higher energy and food prices arising from the Middle East conflict.In its latest Global Economic Prospects published Thursday, the international organization said it now expects the UAE economy to grow 2.4% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027, both lower than its 5% and 5.1% projections in January 2026.For 2028, the country's gross domestic product growth is anticipated to come in at 4.2%.

^DFMGI^FADGI
Asia Markets

Abu Dhabi, Dubai Stocks Slide as Middle East Tensions Escalate

Shares in the United Arab Emirates closed lower as tensions flared in the Middle East, prompting investors to take a cautious approach.At the close of Thursday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index declined 0.326%, while the DFM General Index lost 0.418%.Dominating headlines all over the world are the continued exchange of attacks between the US and Iran on Thursday, threatening their ceasefire agreement signed in April. Further dampening sentiment were US President Donald Trump's social media comments that Iran took too long to negotiate a deal and will now have to "pay the price.""President Trump threatened Iran that more strikes will follow if it doesn't agree to a deal; Iran said the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice. While that isn't something Iran can officially do, it can make vessel crossings a lot more difficult. This leaves shipowners reluctant to navigate the key chokepoint. It once again suggests a deal is still some way off and that energy flows from the Persian Gulf will remain heavily constrained," ING analysts said.Reuters reported Thursday, citing three Iranian and a European source, that both countries exchanged messages on a memorandum, with issues like the release of frozen funds to Iran still needing to be discussed in detail.Back at home and on the corporate side, Two Point Zero Group (ADX:2POINTZERO) sold its entire 7.29% stake in Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. (ADX:TAQA), d/b/a Taqa, to L'imad Holding's unit Abu Dhabi Power Corp. Shares of Two Point Zero Group closed 1.36% in the red, while those of Taqa ended the session 3.38% lower.Over in Dubai, stocks of Commercial Bank of Dubai (DFM:CBD) shed 0.22%. The Emirati lender partnered with Dubai Holding Real Estate to launch a new home financing program for local salaried and self-employed individuals looking to buy properties across Nakheel, Meraas, and Dubai Properties.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:TAQADFM:CBD
Equities

Expro Wins Well Testing Contract for Emirati Drilling Program

Expro received a well testing contract from an unnamed operator in the United Arab Emirates, according to a Thursday release.The energy services company will provide surface well testing and flowback services, as well as equipment for the customer's drilling program for two years.

^DFMGI^FADGI
International

KOF: Global Coincident Barometer Stabilizes in June; Leading Barometer Up

The KOF Swiss Economic Institute said Wednesday the world economy continued to see moderate growth in June as its global coincident barometer remained stable while its leading barometer rose.The Coincident Global Economic Barometer edged up 0.1 point from the prior month to 103.2 points amid a negative contribution from Asia, Pacific & Africa. Meanwhile, the Leading Global Economic Barometer increased 0.9 point to 101.2 points, thanks to the region's positive contribution offsetting the Western Hemisphere's negative contribution."While both remain slightly above average, the leading indicator has been lower than the coincident indicator for the second consecutive month. From a regional perspective, this is solely driven by sentiment in the Asia-Pacific and African regions. There, the outlook is below average, probably reflecting the consequences of the energy shortage caused by the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz," KOF director Jan-Egbert Sturm said.

^DFMGI^FADGIFTSE 100^SSMI^SXXP^TASI
Equities

Emirati Shares Close Mixed Ahead of US Inflation Data

Stocks in the United Arab Emirates struggled to find direction on Wednesday as investors await the latest inflation report from the world's top economy.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index added 0.16%, while the DFM General Index was down 0.472%.​The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish the consumer price index print for May later in the day. The data will assist investors in assessing the impact of the Iran war and higher energy prices on US inflation and future monetary policy."The highlight will be the release of the May CPI report, where headline inflation is expected to rise above the 4.0% YoY level for the first time since May 2023 and core CPI is expected to rise 0.3% month-on-month and 2.9% (2.8% prior) YoY. Assuming those levels are delivered, expect the market to continue pricing a Fed hike in December and the dollar to stay supported," ING said.On the geopolitical front, Middle East tensions re-escalated after the US attacked Iranian air defenses and radar sites in response to downing its helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain."With 11.8 million barrels per day (bpd) shut in across six Gulf producers, the conflict has become the most severe supply disruption in the modern oil era," Rystad Energy's MENA Research Director Aditya Saraswat commented. "Despite a fragile memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran that had raised hopes of a deal, both sides have since returned to air strikes, narrowing the diplomatic track and widening the tail risk of a prolonged shock."Over to corporates, GFH Bank (ADX:GFH, DFM:GFH) became a featured partner of the StartUp Bahrain University of Bahrain to support the StartUp Bahrain program aimed at providing students with practical exposure to entrepreneurship and early venture building. Shares of the investment group ended 0.46% higher on the Abu Dhabi bourse and 0.94% in the green on the Dubai Financial Market.Elsewhere, shares of Dubai Islamic Bank (DFM:DIB) ended the session 0.68% in the red. The lender priced $1 billion of additional tier 1 perpetual non-call sukuk for regional and international investors with an orderbook exceeding $2.3 billion.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:GFHDFM:DIBDFM:GFH
Asia Markets

UAE Stocks Blink Green; Dubai Bourse Secures Finma's Foreign Trading Venue Recognition

United Arab Emirates equities were back in the green on Tuesday as investors breathed a sigh of relief after both Iran and Israel halted direct attacks on each other.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was up 0.817%, while the DFM General Index added 0.879%.Oil prices dropped after Iran declared an end to its military operation against Israel, with the latter also stopping its attacks on the Middle Eastern country. The end of attacks follows a request from US President Donald Trump on Monday.On the economic calendar this week is the release of the US consumer price index report for May on Wednesday. Analysts are expecting a 0.5% monthly rise with a 4.2% annual increase in headline inflation, while core CPI is expected to rise to 0.3% monthly and 2.9% annually.Closer to home and on the corporate front, stocks of Agility Global (ADX:AGILITY) ended flat. The investment and asset management company's unit, Tristar, obtained a new $770 million credit facility from regional and international banks to refinance existing facilities and support general corporate purposes.Meanwhile, Dubai Financial Market (DFM:DFM) was recognized as a foreign trading venue by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, or FINMA, providing the latter's participants with access and enabling trading of Swiss companies' securities on the Emirati trading platform. The bourse operator's shares closed the session 2.84% higher."FINMA's recognition of DFM is a significant milestone in our strategy to broaden international access to our market and implement Dubai's vision to develop its capital markets. It opens a direct, regulated pathway for Swiss financial institutions to connect to our ecosystem and creates new opportunities around Swiss-incorporated securities, reinforcing Dubai's position as a globally connected capital-markets hub," Dubai Financial Market Chief Executive Officer Hamed Ali commented.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:AGILITYDFM:DFM
Asia Markets

UAE Stocks Slide on Renewed Iran-Israel Attacks; OPEC+ Boosts July Oil Output

Stock trading in the United Arab Emirates started the week in red as renewed attacks between Iran and Israel soured sentiment and lifted oil prices.At the close of Monday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index fell 1.354%, while the DFM General declined 0.571%.Geopolitical tensions were in the spotlight once again after Iran and Israel exchanged new rounds of attacks, with US President Donald Trump telling both countries to stop shooting. Trump also said in a social media post that final peace talks are proceeding."This and the wider quotes from Mr Trump sound like a President who really doesn't want this war to escalate any further and is trying to find all ways to avoid it. Still, the events have further complicated the chances of an imminent deal. The key sticking points to a deal remain the release of Iran's frozen assets, its stock of highly enriched uranium, developments in Lebanon, and how control of the Strait of Hormuz will be handled going forward," Deutsche Bank Research said.On the oil front, seven OPEC+ members, in a virtual meeting on Sunday, agreed to boost oil output targets by 188,000 barrels per day in July amid the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.Back home and on the corporate front, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (ADX:JULPHAR), d/b/a Julphar, shares closed the session 2.80% in the red. The pharmaceutical company's Planet Pharmacies subsidiary concluded the sale of its Health First pharmacy chain in the UAE to Batha Healthcare Group and now awaits regulatory approvals to divest its Scientific Pharmacy chain and distribution channel in Oman.Meanwhile, in Dubai, Alec Holdings (DFM:ALEC) unit Target Engineering Construction Co. secured three engineering, procurement, and construction contracts worth $500 million. Shares of the engineering and construction group closed the session 1.36% lower.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:JULPHARDFM:ALEC
Asia Markets

Emirati Equities End Week Upbeat; Dubai's Aman Soars on Return to Q1 Profit

Shares in the United Arab Emirates closed Friday's trading session on a positive note, shrugging off volatile oil prices and continued uncertainty surrounding a peace deal between the US and Iran.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was up 0.304%, while the DFM General Index gained 0.862%.Dampening sentiment is Hezbollah's rejection of the US-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel on Thursday and its demands for a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region. The ceasefire is Iran's essential condition for any peace agreement with the US."While there are few signs of progress in US-Iran talks, the oil market continues to trade on expectations of an imminent deal that would resume flows through the Strait of Hormuz. This seems overly optimistic as Hezbollah rejects the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire. This development will not help US-Iran negotiations," ING analysts wrote.Oil prices edged down, reversing three consecutive gains despite the latest regional developments, with Brent crude oil futures trading at nearly $94.99 per barrel at 3:02 pm UAE time, down 0.04% from the previous day.On the corporate front, shares of Alef Education (ADX:ALEFEDT) closed 1.02% higher after it finalized a two-year initiative to migrate its digital learning ecosystem to Microsoft Azure.Dubai Islamic Insurance & Reinsurance (DFM:AMAN), d/b/a Aman, reported a return to profit in the first quarter. Shares of the insurance company were 8.36% in the green at the time of closing.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ALEFEDTDFM:AMAN
Asia Markets

Emirati Stocks Rebound on Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

Stocks in the United Arab Emirates recovered from two straight days of losses on Thursday as the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel sparked investors' hopes for a broader peace deal between the US and Iran.At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index was little changed at 0.03% in the green, while the DFM General Index gained 0.564%."The geopolitical headlines have become slightly more positive this morning, with oil prices falling back after the US said that Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire. That ceasefire is conditional on Hezbollah also stopping fighting, but in theory, the news helps to take out a key sticking point in the US-Iran talks that was holding up a deal," Deutsche Bank Research said.Despite the US-brokered ceasefire, Israel attacked southern Lebanon on Thursday, Reuters reported, citing security sources. Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz said that the strikes would continue for the time being without withdrawing forces from the region.Closer to home, the Abu Dhabi government implemented a temporary freeze on all rent increases, setting the annual rental cap increase to 0% across all residential and industrial properties.Over to corporates, First Abu Dhabi Bank (ADX:FAB) shares closed 0.37% higher as it partnered with Water.org and its affiliated impact investment manager WaterEquity to invest in the WaterEquity Everspring Fund. The investment is part of the lender's efforts to advance water and sanitation security globally.Meanwhile, Dubai-listed National Central Cooling Co. (DFM:TABREED), d/b/a Tabreed, stocks closed the session 1.93% higher. The district cooling services company named Atef Mohamed Awadh AlBreiki as its new chief asset management officer, effective immediately.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:FABDFM:TABREED

Showing 81-100 of 159

Track with the FINWIRES app suite

FolioX
FolioX
Track Dubai Financial Market General Index in your portfolio
WheelAI
WheelAI
Analyze Dubai Financial Market General Index options with the wheel strategy
StockInsider
StockInsider
See market sentiment on Dubai Financial Market General Index