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Saudi, Qatari bourses gain; UAE markets fall on tax concerns

Saudi Arabian and Qatari stock markets increased in early trading on Tuesday, as investors looked ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming rate of interest decision, while markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). decreased on tax concerns.

Fed officials appear on track to cut interest rates this. month after data revealed the U.S. labor market stayed strong. however continued to cool in November.

The U.S. Fed began its rates of interest reducing cycle with an. abnormally large 50 basis point cut in September, followed by a. 25 bps cut in November. Traders are pricing an 86% opportunity of. another quarter-percentage-point rate cut from the central bank. at its Dec. 17-18 meeting.

The Fed's choices effect monetary policy in the Gulf. region where most currencies, consisting of Saudi Arabia's, are. pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index gained 0.5%, with the. nation's biggest lending institution Saudi National Bank advancing. 2.3% and Riyad Bank increasing 0.9%.

Elsewhere, oil leviathan Saudi Aramco included 0.5%.

In Qatar, the index was up 0.3%, helped by a 0.4%. increase in the Gulf's most significant lending institution Qatar National Bank.

Dubai's main share index pulled back 1.2%, weighed. down by a 2.2% fall in blue-chip developer Emaar Characteristic. and a 1.2% decrease in toll operator Salik Co .

The UAE will enforce a minimum top-up tax (DMTT) of 15% on. large multinational business operating in the country starting. in January, the finance ministry stated on Monday as the. government looks for to enhance non-oil revenue.

The UAE, consisting of Dubai, is a center for multinationals in the. Middle East and the tax modifications come a year after the UAE. began rolling out a 9% service tax, with exemptions for the. many complimentary zones which power its economy.

In Abu Dhabi, the index was down 0.1%.

(source: Reuters)