Bourses in the UAE fell in trading yesterday as investors booked profits after an aggressive bull run on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market.
"The market has been very strong in the last two months," said Marwan Shurrab, a fund manager at Gulfmena Investments, an asset manager in Dubai. "Profit-taking is very healthy and allows the market to take a breather."
Aldar Properties, the developer behind Yas Island, lost 0.6 per cent to Dh1.55. Sorouh, which developed Reem Island's Sun and Sky Towers, fell 2 per cent to Dh1.88. Dana Gas, the Sharjah-based explorer and producer, declined 1.9 per cent to 50 fils.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index fell 0.9 per cent, the biggest one-day price drop since December 11, to 3,004.79. Abu Dhabi's index has risen 14.2 per cent since the start of the year.
On the Dubai Financial Market General Index, Emaar Properties fell 2.8 per cent to Dh5.14 after the developer's dividend announcement failed to excite investors. Emaar suggested a cash dividend of 10 fils, maintaining the same level for the last two years. The dividend was lower than market expectations, said Mr Shurrab.
Arabtec Holding, the big contracting company, declined 2.3 per cent to Dh2.98. Tabreed fell a further 3 per cent yesterday, adding to losses of 4.7 per cent on Monday, amid dilution worries from equity investors after the district cooling company said it would issue convertible bonds.
The DFM closed 0.9 per cent lower to 1,925.20. Dubai's benchmark has gained 18.6 per cent since the start of the year. "Dubai's benchmark should consolidate around 1,850 to 1,900, until the next round of annual general assembly meetings take place - the next coming catalyst," said Mr Shurrab.
In Saudi Arabia, the Tadawul All Share Index dipped 0.77 per cent to 6,988.19.
