Oil Slump Weighs on Gulf Equities, Saudi Market Hit Hardest
Gulf equities faced broad declines as oil prices settled 4% lower last week, with Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dropping 1.2% to 10,589. Every sector traded in negative territory, led by Al Rajhi Bank and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. The selloff reflected growing concerns over crude oversupply and potential geopolitical de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine.
Qatar's market snapped a four-day winning streak, falling 0.4% as Qatar National Bank and Industries Qatar both declined. Oman's OQ is seeking new partners for its Duqm petrochemical project after SABIC's withdrawal, while Egypt's EGX30 bucked the regional trend with modest gains.