### Market Overview
Gulf stock markets closed with mixed results on Monday as declining oil prices weighed on investor sentiment. Market participants awaited more guidance on monetary policy following expectations of potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts.
### Regional Performance
- **Saudi Arabia:** The benchmark index slipped slightly, pressured by weaker energy shares that mirrored falling crude prices.
- **Qatar:** The market edged higher, supported by gains in banking and industrial stocks.
- **Dubai and Abu Dhabi:** Both emirates saw limited movement, with investors adopting a cautious stance as regional and global economic signals remained uncertain.
- **Kuwait and Bahrain:** Markets exhibited minor fluctuations without pronounced upward or downward momentum.
### Oil Price Influence
Oil prices—a key driver for Gulf economies—softened as global concerns about slowing demand outweighed supply risks. Traders monitored mixed forecasts on oil output and demand recovery heading into winter.
### Investor Sentiment
Investors across the region remained attentive to comments from U.S. policymakers hinting at the possibility of interest rate cuts. Analysts noted that rate reductions could spur liquidity and spending, potentially supporting regional equities in the longer term.
> “Market movement this week largely depends on how investors interpret Fed guidance amid weaker oil dynamics,” said a regional analyst.
### Outlook
While energy price uncertainty continues to challenge near-term performance, analysts expect upcoming policy announcements and oil inventory data to shape the next direction of trading.
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**Author’s summary:** Gulf stock markets closed with mixed performance due to weak oil prices and investor caution amid expectations of future U.S. Fed rate cuts.
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Reuters — 2025-11-24