Gulf markets mixed as oil slides, investors assess Iran diplomacy

Gulf stock markets experienced mixed results on Wednesday as investors analyzed the impact of U.S. economic pressure on Iran and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude, a key factor for Gulf financial markets, plummeted over 2% to $86.43 a barrel, driven by hopes that the waterway could once again be utilized for shipping. Iran announced it had recommenced negotiations with Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating U.S. economic pressure.

Washington had warned of sanctions against nations still trading with Iran, although it did not specify when such measures would be implemented. Both Pakistan and Iran made "significant progress" in talks concerning the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and a path to peace, according to Pakistan’s interior minister after a visit to Tehran.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index saw a slight increase of 0.3%, with Etihad Etisalat Company climbing 3.1% and Saudi Arabian Mining Company gaining 1.3%. Saudi Aramco, an oil giant, fell 0.7%, while National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia lost 2.3%. Dubai's main index rose 0.6%, propelled by communications and industrial shares. Toll-road operator Salik increased 1.9%, and construction firm ALEC Holdings surged 7.9%.

Qatar's index climbed 0.7%, with virtually all its constituents ending in the green. Qatar National Bank rose 0.7%, while Industries Qatar and Qatar Gas Transport gained 1.6% and 1.7%, respectively. QatarEnergy announced its initial tender to offer crude through ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz, joining other Gulf producers in moving their loading operations beyond the waterway, according to trade sources.

Abu Dhabi's benchmark index slipped 0.3%, dragged down by a 1.5% decline in ADNOC Gas and a 1% drop in International Holding Co. "GCC markets were mixed as investors monitor diplomatic developments in the region," stated Milad Azar, a market analyst at XTB MENA. "Despite progress towards establishing a shipping corridor, setbacks remain possible, and could affect risk appetite amid ongoing uncertainty," he added.

Azar noted that robust local fundamentals and government investment initiatives could continue to bolster markets.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index slipped 0.3% due to healthcare and real estate stocks underperforming. Commercial International Bank fell 1.2%, and Talaat Moustafa Group declined 1%. Saudi Arabia's index rose 0.3% to 11,260, while Dubai climbed 0.6% to 5,867. Abu Dhabi fell 0.3% to 10,036, and Qatar advanced 0.7% to 9,854. Kuwait decreased 0.2% to 9,303, Bahrain lost 0.2% to 1,943, and Oman rose 0.4% to 7,533. Egypt's index declined 0.3% to 55,107.