Stock News: Gulf Markets Retreat As Oil, Global Stocks Fall

Brent crude traded just above $48 per barrel as Greece’s election results put pressure on oil and global equities.

Qatar Utility QEWC Q4 Net Profit Gains 9.3%, Beats Estimates

The state-run utility made a profit of QAR360.5 million ($99 million) in the three months to Dec. 31.

Oil Falls After Greek Election Sends Euro Tumbling

Global financial markets reacted to the Greek election on Monday with the euro dropping to near an 11-year low against the dollar.

Qatar’s Economy Minister Appointed Chairman Of Stock Exchange

The exchange’s previous acting chairman was Hussein Ali al-Abdullah, an executive director of the Qatar Investment Authority.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Q4 Net Profit Rises 19.3%

The bank made a net profit of Dhs409.6 million in the last quarter of 2014, it said in a statement.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Q4 Net Profit Jumps 16%, Hikes Dividend

The bank made a net profit of Dhs1.02 billion ($277.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2014, it said in a statement.

Dubai Islamic Bank Targets 15-20% Loan Growth In 2015 – CEO

DIB’s net interest margin would stay at around 3.6 per cent in 2015, the bank’s chief executive said.

Dubai Islamic Bank Q4 2014 Net Profit Rises 64.1%; Hikes Dividend

The bank’s net profit for 2014 was Dhs2.8 billion.

Stock News: Smooth Saudi Succession, ECB Easing May Support Gulf

The markets of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain are closed on Sunday because of King Abdullah’s death.

Gulf Banks Flourish In 2014 On Strong Economic Growth

Gulf banks have recorded much improved net profit numbers in 2014 driven by higher loan growth, increased non-interest income and reduced provision charges.

Saudi’s Tasnee Signs $319m Loan To Buy More Of Cristal

In December, Tasnee bought 13 per cent in Cristal – one of the world’s largest producers of titanium dioxide – for SAR1.8 billion.

Bahraini Fund Mumtalakat Won’t Sell Assets To Plug Any Budget Shortfall

The fund holds stakes in Bahraini companies including Aluminium Bahrain, Gulf Air and Batelco.

Different Arab money

Growth In Gulf Arab Oil States To Slow Moderately This Year

Analysts believe GCC governments will be able to use huge financial reserves to keep state spending high.

IMF Cuts UAE’s 2015 Growth Forecast

The Gulf country is expected to see a growth of 3.5 per cent for 2015 and 2016, according to IMF’s latest update.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Hilal Bank Says CEO Berro Resigns

Sarie Ahmed Arar, currently the executive vice president of wholesale banking, will assume the role of acting CEO.

Oman’s Bank Dhofar Mulls Options For Up To $300m Capital Raising

A Tier 1 capital-boosting bond was its preferred method, the bank said.

Stock News: Mobily Weighs On Saudi; Egypt Extends Gains

Saudi Arabia’s main index was nearly flat while Egypt’s bourse rose 1.2 per cent.

Oil Export Losses To Reach $300bn In Middle East

Economies such as Qatar, Iraq, Libya and Saudi Arabia will be hit hardest by the more than 50 per cent decline in petroleum prices, the IMF said.

Saudi Q4 GDP Growth Lowest In Over A Year

GDP, adjusted for inflation, grew two per cent from Q4 2013, down from 2.4 per cent in the third quarter.

Middle East CEOs’ Confidence Has Dropped In 2015

Business confidence was notably down in oil producing countries across the world due to falling crude prices, the survey said.

Dubai’s Limitless Gets 85% Creditor Assent For Debt Extension – Chairman

The firm is seeking a three-month extension to a debt repayment due at the end of 2014.

Dubai’s Nakheel 2014 Net Profit Jumps 43.2% Despite Revenue Slump

The company made a net profit of Dhs3.68 billion ($1 billion) in 2014, up from Dhs2.57 billion in 2013, its chairman said.

Saudi’s Sahara Petrochemical Says Unit Signs $522m Loan Refinancing

The new loan also has more favourable pricing and conditions than the existing deal.

Qatar’s Doha Bank Plans Bond Issues, Tier 1 Capital Instruments

The bank said that it would seek shareholder approval to issue Tier 1 capital instruments worth $549 million.

Qatar’s Doha Bank Recommends 2014 Cash Dividend

The bank declared a cash dividend of QAR4 per share for 2014.

Saudi’s Kindgom Holding Q4 Net Profit Rises 15%

Kingdom made a net profit of SAR266 million ($70.84 million) in the last quarter of 2014.

Saudi Ma’aden Swings To Q4 Net Profit, Misses Estimates

The company reported a net profit of SAR376 million for the last quarter of 2014.

Dubai’s TECOM Investments Signs For Loan Facility Of Up To $1.1bn

The loan is expected to help fund the company’s general corporate needs and growth plans, the company said in a statement.

Doha Bank Q4 Net Profit Rises 6.1%, Misses Forecasts

Net profit for 2014 gained 3.1 per cent year on year to QAR1.35 million.

Aabar Investments Inks Deal With Manchester City Women’s Football Club

As part of the deal, Aabar will sponsor the team’s pre-season training camp and receive a certain portion of match-day advertising.