Gulf markets end mixed on tariff concerns

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Stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Thursday as uncertainties around U.S. tariff policies and fears of an economic slowdown remained top concerns for investors. Traders are waiting for signs of progress on negotiations between U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and its trading partners, including the ongoing trade talks with Japan. The direction of any potential discussions with China remains the biggest overhang.Saudi Arabia's benchmark index TADAWUL:TASI declined 0.7%, hit by a 0.5% fall in Al Rajhi Bank TADAWUL:1120 and a 2.1% decline in Saudi Arabian Mining Company TADAWUL:1211.The market could remain vulnerable to developments related to external factors, especially trade tensions, said George Pavel General Manager at Naga.com Middle East."However, the upcoming first-quarter earnings releases could potentially act as a catalyst, influencing market direction and possibly providing support."Dubai's main share index DFM:DFMGI reversed early losses to finish 0.2% higher, helped by a 6.8% jump in Parkin Company DFM:PARKIN.Investors were also digesting comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned of the risk of slowing growth and rising prices due to tariffs.In Abu Dhabi, the index ADX:FADGI concluded flat.According to Pavel, despite oil prices stabilizing somewhat after their recent decline, they remained at lower levels and provided only limited support to the market.Oil prices rose to the highest in two weeks amid low liquidity ahead of the Easter holidays after the United States imposed new sanctions to curb Iranian oil exports, elevating supply concerns.The Qatari index QSE:GNRI dropped 0.6%, with Qatar Islamic Bank QSE:QIBK losing 2.8%.Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index EGX:EGX30 edged 0.1% higher, with Commercial International Bank EGX:COMI rising 0.9%. SAUDI ARABIATADAWUL:TASI declined 0.7% to 11,553Abu DhabiADX:FADGI was flat at 9,259DubaiDFM:DFMGI added 0.2% to 5,062QATARQSE:GNRI dropped 0.6% to 10,136EGYPTEGX:EGX30 gained 0.1% to 31,063BAHRAINBAHRAIN:BHBX was down 0.4% to 1,902OMAN(.MSX30) finished flat at 4,305KUWAIT(.BKP) increased 0.6% to 8,420

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