Emaar-Aldar tie-up boosts Dubai index

SAUDI ARABIA’S TADAWUL EDGES HIGHER AHEAD OF FTSE DECISION AT END OF MARCH

The Dubai index moved higher yesterday, boosted by the announcement of a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Aldar Properties.

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index closed 0.75 per cent higher at 3,206.70. Emaar Properties gained 2.19 per cent to close at Dh6.07, while Aldar rose 2.78 per cent to Dh2.22.

“The Emaar-Aldar alliance is helping sentiment. We think it is a positive in that they would have access to each other’s expertise and or land bank. Nonetheless, the extent of collaboration needs to be seen,” said Vrajesh Bhandari, portfolio manager with Al Mal Capital.

Emaar Development closed more than 2 per cent higher at Dh5.46 while Drake and Scull ended the day 2.82 per cent higher at Dh1.82. Air Arabia gained 0.68 per cent to close at Dh1.29.

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange index ended the day 0.91 per cent higher at 4,566.66. Watania surged 8.33 per cent to end at Dh0.52, while Taqa gained 5.88 per cent to close at Dh0.72.

Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul index closed 0.48 per cent higher at 7,761.74.

Selective stock-picking

“Saudi Arabia has been strong as we approach the FTSE decision at the end of March. It is more selective now on and investors will focus on companies that stand to benefit from current reforms, especially the push for Saudisation,” Bhandari said.

After underperforming its regional peers last year, Saudi equities have gained 6.9 per cent so far in the year amid firm oil prices and the implementation of a slew of government reforms. This performance compares with a more than 5.5 per cent loss on the DFM General Index.

In stock-specific action, Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co gained 3.53 per cent to close at 11.44 Saudi riyals, while Alinma Bank was up 0.60 per cent to end the day’s session at 20.20 riyals.

Elsewhere in the Gulf region, the Qatar Exchange index eased 1.16 per cent to end at 8,873.38 while the Muscat MSM 30 index closed 0.30 per cent higher at 4,796.23.