-- Emirati shares ended Wednesday's trading session in the green, buoyed by increasing hopes that the US and Iran are close to making a deal.
At the close of trading, the FTSE ADX General Index gained 0.855%, while the DFM General Index added 2.956%.
"Oil prices are under renewed pressure as the ceasefire between the US and Iran appears to be holding despite recent escalation in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, the market sold off further in early morning trading today after President Trump paused 'Project Freedom' as the US seeks a deal to end the war with Iran. Trump said 'great progress' has been made towards a 'complete and final agreement'," ING said.
Reuters also reported, citing a Pakistani source, that the US and Iran are closing in on a one-page memorandum to end the war. The latest developments eased oil supply concerns and led to a decline in prices as Brent crude oil futures stood at nearly $97.82 per barrel at 3:06 pm UAE time, down 10.97% from the previous day.
Back home and on the corporate front, shares of Dana Gas (ADX:DANA) closed 2.49% higher as it partnered with British advanced materials company Levidian to establish the Sharjah Graphene Park to boost the supply of high-quality graphene regionally.
Elsewhere, Emirates Central Cooling Systems (DFM:EMPOWER), resumed trading on the Dubai bourse following a temporary suspension due to its board meeting. Shares of the cooling services company closed flat when it last traded on Tuesday.