Major Gulf stock markets closed mixed on Tuesday as investors balanced optimism over solid corporate earnings with caution about global economic conditions. The divergence came as oil prices advanced, reinforcing confidence in the region’s energy outlook.
The Abu Dhabi index led regional gains, climbing 1%, driven largely by strong quarterly results from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). The UAE’s largest lender reported a robust 21% year-on-year increase in Q3 net profit, reaching AED 5.39 billion (approximately US $1.47 billion), highlighting sustained growth in retail and corporate lending.
Elsewhere, sentiment was more measured. The Saudi benchmark index edged up 0.1%, while the Qatar market traded flat, with investors treading carefully amid wider global uncertainty. Market participants noted that while energy prices offered support, international risk factors — including inflation data and geopolitical developments — kept trading volumes muted.
Oil markets provided a tailwind to regional equities, with Brent crude prices rising nearly 2%, closing above US $86 per barrel on expectations of resilient demand through the winter season. The gain bolstered investor confidence in GCC energy producers such as Saudi Aramco, which remains a key bellwether for Gulf sentiment.
For GCC professionals aged 28–40, the current environment signals resilience in banking and energy sectors despite global headwinds. Strong earnings from leading banks may enhance liquidity across the region, stimulate corporate lending, and support new capital investments heading into the fourth quarter. Analysts believe sustained oil stability and solid Q3 profits could attract renewed fund flows into local equities, further boosting market momentum.
