Top 100 GCC Companies 2018

The GCC has enjoyed a positive year so far in 2018, with its leading 100 companies contributing to some impressive market gains in what has been a time of great change for the region.

Widespread diversification, a fast-evolving tech landscape, socio-economic developments and global headwinds are among the challenges that private companies have had to navigate in recent months, by and large reacting with great success.

This has been reflected across a number of indices, including the S&P GCC index which registering a gain of 6.3 per cent up to mid-September, buoyed by a number of positive developments. Among these are the inclusion of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in emerging market indices, strong reform momentum across Gulf states, and a continues recovery in oil prices.

Positive signs

The second half of 2018 started on a positive note for GCC stock markets, with Kuwait emerging as the top performer among its regional peers. The performance of these markets was attributed to the strong performance of banking stocks across the Gulf.

Despite the positive signs however, stock market liquidity in most GCC markets has deteriorated due to declining investor sentiments. Increased risk perception and a lack of new IPO issues continues to act as an impediment in a market that is largely dominated by retail participants.

The ranking of the Gulf’s top 100 companies by market cap has been created in association with Marmore MENA Intelligence