{
  "id": 1727520,
  "title": "Most Gulf markets muted as Iran tensions keep investors wary",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/most-gulf-markets-muted-as-iran-tensions-keep-investors-wary",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-18T14:36:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435396/most-gulf-markets-muted-as-iran-tensions-keep-investors-wary"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Most Gulf stock markets remained moderate on Tuesday as investors remained cautious following the U.S. decision to not extend a temporary ceasefire agreement, and an Iranian official's warning that Tehran would adopt a \"fully offensive\" military stance. Qatar's main index experienced a 0.5% drop, extending losses for a second day in a row, closing at 9,848 points - its lowest level in over a year. The country's largest bank, Qatar National Bank, experienced a 0.7% decline, while telecom company Ooredoo fell by 1.5%.\n\nSaudi Arabia's benchmark index remained unchanged as gains in materials, energy, and healthcare stocks balanced out declines in other sectors. Saudi National Bank, the kingdom's largest lender, saw a 0.5% decrease, while Jarir Marketing fell by 4.3%. SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co gained 2.4%, and Saudi Arabian Mining Co rose by 1.9% after signing a memorandum of understanding to explore opportunities in the fertilizers and integrated agri-nutrients value chain.\n\nDubai's main index remained little changed, with losses in communications, utilities, and industrial shares being offset by gains in other sectors. Emirates Integrated Telecommunications, also known as du, fell by 3.1%, while Emirates NBD rose by 1.8%. Abu Dhabi's benchmark index increased by 0.2%, extending its winning streak to a fifth consecutive day, with most sectors ending higher. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank gained 1.1%, and Emirates Telecommunications Group advanced by 3.9%. AD Ports continued its upward trend, rising by 2.9% following a 14.9% surge in the previous session - its biggest one-day increase since September 2022.\n\nThe UAE's stock markets appeared more resilient compared to previous conflict periods, according to Samer Hasn, senior market analyst at XS.com. He noted that the UAE has managed to stay relatively unaffected by the ongoing Middle East unrest, despite occasional attacks on UAE-affiliated tankers.",
  "summary": "BENGALURU: Most Gulf stock markets closed subdued on Tuesday as investors remained cautious after the U.S. ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement and an Iranian official said Tehran would shift to a “fully offensive” military posture. Qatar’s benchmark index fell 0.5%, extending losses for a second consecutive session to close at 9,848 points, its lowest level in more than a year.…",
  "key_points": [
    "Gulf markets remain moderate amid Iran tensions and US ceasefire decision",
    "Qatar's main index drops 0.5%, reaching lowest level in over a year",
    "Saudi National Bank declines 0.5%, while Jarir Marketing falls 4.3%"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}