Mideast stocks opened mixed on Thursday, with Saudi stocks leading the gains, as concerns about a global trade war retreated.
Saudi stocks rose 0.1 per cent, with banks and insurers the main upward drivers.
Riyad Bank and Alinma Bank, the two lenders facing the largest extra payments, were both up more than 3.0 per cent in the early trading, reports Reuters.
Qatar’s stocks slipped 0.2 per cent, with Doha Bank the worst performer in early trading, slumping 10 per cent as the stock went ex-dividend.
An easing of anxiety about global trade protectionism helped boost Asian and European shares. It followed White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders telling a media briefing that the impending hefty US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports could exclude Canada, Mexico and a clutch of other countries.
Abu Dhabi stocks gained 0.3 per cent, with Dana Gas one of the bottom movers, slipping 1.3 per cent. Dubai stocks were down 0.02 per cent.
