Gulf Stock Markets Show Mixed Performance Amid Corporate Earnings and Oil Prices

On October 22, 2025, Gulf stock markets exhibited mixed performances, influenced by corporate earnings reports and fluctuating oil prices. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) General Index rose by 1%, primarily driven by a 4.6% surge in First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) shares. FAB reported a stronger-than-expected 21% increase in third-quarter net profit, reaching 5.39 billion dirhams.

Conversely, Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) edged up 0.1%, supported by gains in Saudi Aramco and Etihad Etisalat, despite a 4.6% decline in Sipchem shares following a quarterly net loss. Dubai's index remained flat, with Emirates NBD up 0.7% ahead of its earnings report. Qatar's index dipped 0.1%, weighed down by a 0.4% drop in Qatar Islamic Bank shares. These market movements occurred amid a 2% rise in oil prices, driven by supply concerns and optimism over U.S.-China trade relations.

First Abu Dhabi Bank, the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates, reported a net profit of 5.39 billion dirhams ($1.47 billion) for the third quarter of 2025, marking a 20.8% increase from the same period last year. The bank's operating income rose nearly 14% year-on-year to 9.34 billion dirhams, driven by strong momentum in client activity and diversified revenue streams. Net interest income for the quarter increased to 5 billion dirhams, up from 4.89 billion dirhams in Q3 2024. FAB's total assets reached 1.38 trillion dirhams, up 14% year-to-date.

In Saudi Arabia, the Tadawul All Share Index saw a modest gain of 0.1%, bolstered by positive performances from major companies like Saudi Aramco and Etihad Etisalat. However, the market faced downward pressure from a 4.6% decline in Sipchem shares, following a quarterly net loss.

Dubai's Financial Market index remained flat, with Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East, experiencing a modest increase of 0.7% ahead of its earnings report.

Qatar's Stock Exchange index dipped 0.1%, influenced by a 0.4% drop in Qatar Islamic Bank shares.

These market movements occurred amid a 2% rise in oil prices, driven by supply concerns and optimism over U.S.-China trade relations. Oil prices are a critical factor for Gulf economies, as they significantly influence fiscal revenues and economic growth.

The mixed performances across Gulf stock markets highlight the region's sensitivity to corporate earnings and oil price fluctuations. FAB's robust earnings report underscores the resilience of the UAE's banking sector amid global economic uncertainties.

The varied market performances indicate that investors are closely monitoring corporate earnings and oil price trends to inform their decisions. The 2% rise in oil prices suggests potential positive implications for oil-dependent Gulf economies.

The Gulf stock markets' mixed performances on October 22, 2025, reflect the complex interplay between corporate earnings reports and oil price movements. As the region continues to navigate global economic challenges, market participants will likely remain vigilant, closely monitoring these key factors to guide their investment strategies.