Middle East ETP News
you are currently viewing::Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Enhancing Resilience to Global Shocks: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC CountriesDecember 6, 2025-Despite the challenging external environment, the GCC economies have been resilient. Non-hydrocarbon activity has remained robust amid strong domestic demand supported by the reform momentum, limited spillovers from regional, as well as the modest direct impact of higher U.S. tariffs given the exemption of energy products and limited trade ties with the U.S. While external balances narrowed amid oil production cuts and robust imports, the external positions remain overall strong. The economic outlook remains favorable but risks are tilted to the downside amidst elevated global uncertainty. Economic activity will be supported by the unwinding of oil production cuts, the expansion of natural gas production, and strong reform and project implementation facilitated by ample policy buffers. External buffers would remain comfortable despite narrower current account balances driven by higher imports. The near-term risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, as oil prices could decline and financial conditions tighten amid high uncertainty. Over the medium term, ongoing global structural shifts pose two-sided risks for the GCC economies. Source: imf.org |
Saudi economy shrinks for first time in three years
July 30, 2026--GDP down 4.8% in second quarter
Aramco output cuts dent oil activity
IMF praises Saudi economic 'agility'
Mideast Stocks: Gulf stocks gain as Iran war de-escalation hopes outweigh attacks on Saudi oil sites
July 27, 2026--Saudi Arabia's benchmark index rises to a two-week high
Gulf equities advanced in early trade on Monday as hopes of a diplomatic off-ramp in the U.S.-Iran war boosted risk appetite across the region, with investors largely looking past fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
GCC corporates forecast to post lower 2026 profits amid logistics cost rise
July 23, 2026--Capital market debt issuance and capital expenditure are set to decline, according to S&P
Profits of most of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) corporates are forecast to decline by 2026-end due to higher logistics costs arising from the Middle East conflict, according to S&P Global Ratings.
ADX welcomes pioneering GCC Shariah Dividend ETF
July 23, 2026--The fund tracks high-performing, income-generating, Shariah-compliant equities across the Gulf Cooperation Council
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group today welcomed the listing of the Chimera Solactive GCC Shariah Dividend ETF (GCCDIV), marking the fourth listing of the year.
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf markets slip amid escalating US-Iran hostilities
July 22, 2026--Most Gulf stock markets dipped in early Wednesday trading as investors weighed the escalating Middle East conflict after U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets for an 11th consecutive night. The U.S. military said its latest strikes started late Tuesday U.S. time, or early Wednesday in Iran, and lasted about 75 minutes.
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf markets fall on US-Iran hostilities
July 14, 2026-Dubai's main share index dropped more than 1%
Major Gulf equity markets opened lower on Tuesday after Washington reinstated its naval blockade against Iran, with both nations escalating military strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying concerns over global energy supply disruptions.
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf markets in the red amid escalating hostilities
July 13, 2026-Saudi Arabia's benchmark index eased 0.2%
Major stock markets in the Gulf retreated on Monday as hostilities escalated across the region and Iran asserted that it had sealed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher and reigniting global inflation fears.
Vantage Secures CMA Category 5 Licence, Strengthening Its MENA Growth Strategy
July 8, 2026-New UAE regulatory milestone reinforces Vantage's long-term commitment to the region
Vantage Markets ("Vantage"), a global multi-asset CFD broker, today announced that it has secured its Capital Market Authority (CMA) Category 5 licence in the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant milestone in the brand's long-term growth strategy across the MENA region.
Mideast Stocks: Gulf bourses mixed ahead of earnings, weak oil and US-Iran tensions
July 7, 2026-Saudi Arabia's benchmark index dipped 0.2%
Major Gulf stock markets were mixed in early trading on Tuesday as investors looked for cues from upcoming corporate earnings, softer oil prices and renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Mideast Stocks: Most Gulf markets gain ahead of corporate earnings
July 6, 2026-Saudi Arabia's benchmark index rose 0.2%
Major stock markets in the Gulf edged higher in early trade on Monday as investors turned their focus to corporate earnings while also assessing U.S.-Iran developments.
