Shares across the Arabian Gulf began the week slightly lower on Sunday, with investors seemingly unfazed by US air strikes against Syria over the weekend.
Global investors retreated to haven assets in early trading on Friday following the surprise military action, but largely reversed course by the end of the day.
Brent crude similarly rose by more than 2 per cent early on Friday before shedding gains.
In the UAE, trading on the Dubai Financial Market was subdued on Sunday, the benchmark index closing just 0.3 per cent lower at 3,554.96.
DXB Entertainments and Dubai Investments were among the weaker blue-chip performers, closing down 1 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively, cancelling out minor gains by Emaar Properties and DIB.
In the capital, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index closed 0.5 per cent lower at 4,591.41, as investors in First Abu Dhabi Bank (ticker: NBAD) continued to book profits following last week’s rally.
The bank’s shares finished 1.8 per cent lower at Dh11.05, with shares in ADCB also closing down 1.2 per cent.
Etisalat led a handful of gainers, climbing by 0.8 per cent to Dh18.20 ahead of the company’s annual general meeting on Sunday afternoon.
Shares in Saudi Arabia opened in positive territory, before retreating in afternoon trading to finish 0.2 per cent lower, to 7,058.58, dragged down by Alinma Bank.
The Bahrain Bourse All Share Index topped gains across the region, closing up 1.6 per cent, thanks to gains by BBK and Ahli United Bank.
The Qatar Exchange was the other main regional gainer, finishing up by 0.5 per cent thanks to Industries Qatar and QNB.
jeverington@thenational.ae
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