Middle East ETF News Older than One Year


Gulf may gain as oil, Asian bourses start 2017 strong

January 3, 2017-- In the Gulf region, the petrochemical sector in Saudi Arabia may get a boost from the rise in oil prices
Brent crude oil is at $57.16 a barrel, close to last year's high of $57.89.

Both crude oil prices and Asian bourses started their first trading day of 2017 with a firm tone

IMF-Qatar: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2016 Article IV Mission

January 3, 2017--Context and Outlook
1. Qatar is effectively adjusting to the new reality of sustained lower energy prices. The drop in international oil and gas prices has put considerable pressure on the fiscal and external positions.

However, the authorities' policy response has been adequate, underpinned by cuts to current expenditures and renewed efforts towards increasing non-oil revenues. Tariffs of some utilities (water and electricity) have been increased from October 2015 and the increase in gasoline prices in January 2016 was followed in May by the implementation of a regular price adjustment mechanism.

view more

Source: IMF


Gulf bourses edge up in early trade, petchems buoy Saudi

December 28, 2016--Most major Gulf stock markets edged up in early trade on Wednesday in line with global bourses, as petrochemical producers led Saudi Arabia's bourse.

The Saudi index, which surged 1.3 percent on Tuesday to a new high for the year, climbed 0.3 percent in the first 15 minutes.

view more

Source: AMEInfo.com


Tadawul All Share Index hits new 52-week high

December 28, 2016--The Saudi stock benchmark Tadawul All Share Index rose 1.27% to hit a new 52-week high.

view more

Source: AMEInfo.com


Abu Dhabi bourse to introduce short-selling in first quarter 2017-CEO

December 27, 2016--Abu Dhabi's stock market plans to introduce covered short-selling in the first quarter of 2017, its chief executive said on Monday, as it seeks to boost liquidity and attract more foreign investors.

In covered short-selling, investors borrow shares and sell them in the expectation of repurchasing them later at a lower price.

view more

Source: AMEInfo.com


Saudi post-budget rally stalls near chart barrier; rest of Gulf firm

December 26, 2016--Saudi edged down 0.1 per cent to 7,181 in the first 20 minutes of trading

Tadawul index added 1.5 per cent to 7,191 points on Sunday
Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets rose 0.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively

view more

Source: AMEInfo.com


Franklin Templeton Likes U.A.E., Egypt in Mideast Stocks Outlook

December 20, 2016--Fund is neutral Kuwait; underweight Saudi Arabia, Qatar
In North Africa, Morocco and Tunisia are seen as expensive.

The United Arab Emirates and Egypt are the Middle East stock markets poised to perform best in 2017, said Bassel Khatoun, Franklin Templeton Investments' chief investment officer for Middle East and North Africa equity. Khatoun, who manages $87 million in stocks from the region out of Dubai, gave his calls on key markets in the region next year in a Dec. 19 interview.

view more

Source: Bloomberg


IMF Staff Completes 2016 Article IV Mission to Islamic Republic of Iran

December 19, 2016--Higher oil production and exports are allowing economic growth to rebound from recession in 2015/16

Iran is urged to create the conditions for sustained macroeconomic stability and growth

The IMF welcomes Iran's strong commitment to AML/CFT reform that helps facilitate the expansion of correspondent banking relations

view more

Source: IMF


New Islamic finance guidance on gold emphasises real deal

December 6, 2016--To encourage new Islamic finance products using gold
Sukuk, ETFs, trading accounts in development

Guidance also applies to silver-based contracts
Same-day settlement reduces risk, may be less convenient
AAOIFI plans workshops for wholesale gold market.

view more

Source: AMEInfo.com


New Islamic finance guidance on gold, GCC F&B industry grows

December 6, 2016--Islamic finance experts have developed new rules for gold transactions; the GCC F&B industry continues to experience growth driven by the growing population and numbers of tourists

Here are the top seven business stories you need to know about today.
Dubai's Emirates Islamic launches 1.5 bln dirham rights issue Emirates Islamic Bank, the shariah-compliant...

January 09, 2026 Global Cooperation is Showing Resilience in the Face of Geopolitical Headwinds
December 18, 2025 A Tumultuous Year Tests Optimism Among American Retirement Savers
December 17, 2025 Mapping the global quantum ecosystem
December 17, 2025 Quantum sector enters new phase after a decade of rapid growth, according to new OECD and EPO study

read more news


White Papers


January 09, 2026 IMF Working Paper The Economic Implications of the Energy Transition in Asia-Pacific

view more white papers