Latest News

Major Gulf markets up after central banks cut rates to mirror Fed

Major stock markets in the Gulf increased in early Thursday trade after a lot of reserve banks in the region cut their essential interest rates following a larger than typical policy easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The Fed cut its benchmark rate by 50 basis points (bps) on Wednesday, with policymakers seeing another half a portion point fall by the end of this year.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index acquired 0.4%, with Al . Rajhi Bank rising 1.1%.

The kingdom, the area's greatest economy, cut its. redeemed arrangement (Repo) rate and reverse repo rate by 50 bps. each to 5.5% and 5.0% respectively, according to a central bank. declaration.

Among other gainers, oil behemoth Saudi Aramco was. up 0.6%.

Oil rates - a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets -. increased after the U.S. rate cut, but concerns over worldwide need. stuck around and topped gains.

Dubai's main share index added 0.5%, led by a 1.2%. increase in blue-chip designer Emaar Characteristic.

In Abu Dhabi, the index edged 0.2% higher.

The United Arab Emirates' central bank also lowered its base. rate on the overnight deposit facility by half a percentage. point to 4.90%.

Monetary policy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) frequently. lines up with the Fed's decisions as a lot of regional currencies are. pegged to the U.S. dollar.

The Qatari standard added 0.4%, driven by a 0.6%. increase in the Gulf's greatest lending institution Qatar National Bank.

Qatar's central bank cut crucial interest rates by 55 basis. points on Wednesday.

(source: Reuters)