Major Gulf markets mixed as investors await clarity on US-Iran talks

Kitco Media
By Reuters
Published:
Updated:
Reuters
Major Gulf markets mixed as investors await clarity on US-Iran talks teaser image

April 6 (Reuters) - Major Gulf markets were mixed in early trade on Monday as investors awaited clarity on reports of U.S.-Iran ceasefire ​talks that came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran of "hell" ‌unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened.

Trump warned in an expletive-laden Easter Sunday social media post that he would order strikes on Iran's power ​plants and bridges on Tuesday if the strategic waterway ​was not reopened.

Iran and the United States have received ⁠a proposal to end hostilities that could take effect on Monday ​and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, ​a source familiar with the matter.

Brent crude futures rose 76 cents, or 0.7%, to $109.79 a barrel at 0656 GMT.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI), eased ​0.2%, with Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE), losing 0.3%.

Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI), ​fell 0.2%, hit by a 2.5% slide in Emaar Properties (EMAR.DU).

In Abu Dhabi, ‌the ⁠index (.FTFADGI), gained 0.4%.

UAE official Anwar Gargash said any settlement of the U.S.-Iran war must guarantee passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Gargash warned that any deal that does not restrain Iran's nuclear ​programme and its ​missile and ⁠drone arsenal would pave the way for "a more dangerous, more volatile Middle East."

The UAE ​was hit harder than any other Gulf state, ​according ⁠to regional officials, following Tehran's retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes with missiles and drones that targeted Israeli and U.S. bases and key ⁠Gulf ​infrastructure in the region.

The Qatari benchmark (.QSI), advanced ​1%, buoyed by a 0.6% rise in the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar ​National Bank (QNBK.QA), opens new tab.

Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.