Global markets rebounded strongly this week, led by gains in US and Asian equities, reflecting improved investor risk appetite. Meanwhile, gold continued to rise as a safe-haven asset, while oil prices declined amid concerns over slowing global growth. Emerging markets also posted solid gains, with Turkey and Egypt among the top performers.
Intelligence
The Weekly Brief
Mixed Week, Strong Momentum as Markets Advance and Oil Rebounds
Kuwait’s indices were mixed this week but showed strong month-to-date gains of up to 11.55%. US markets rose, led by tech, with the Nasdaq up 1.12% and volatility dropping sharply. Oil rebounded, lifting its strong year-to-date gains, while gold dipped slightly but remains up overall.
The Weekly Brief
Mixed Kuwait Markets as Global Equities Surge and Oil Rallies
Kuwait markets were mixed, with the Main Market gaining and turning positive YTD, while the All Share remained slightly negative. Globally, equities rallied strongly led by the Nasdaq and Nikkei, as oil surged sharply, boosting its year-to-date gains.
The Weekly Brief
Kuwait Gains Momentum as Oil Drops, Oman Outperforms with Strong Rally
Kuwaiti indices gained momentum, with the Premier Market up 5.60% MTD, bringing the All Share Index near breakeven YTD. Brent crude fell 23.63% to $99.39, while gold rose 5.69%. Oman’s Muscat SM index outperformed, surging 42.10% YTD to a decade high.
The Weekly Brief
Global Markets Rally as Volatility Drops, While Kuwait Sees Uneven Recovery
Kuwait’s market showed a moderate rebound (+1.61% WTD) but remains down year-to-date (-2.99%), signaling an uneven recovery. Globally, equities gained strong momentum, led by the Nasdaq (+4.68%) and Japan’s Nikkei (+7.15%). Meanwhile, volatility eased significantly, with the VIX falling -19.44%, indicating improved investor confidence despite mixed regional trends.
The Weekly Brief
Geopolitics and Oil Drive Markets as GCC Diverges and Global Risk Sentiment Weakens
GCC markets were mixed (Saudi & Oman up; Kuwait weak), US equities declined with elevated volatility, and oil above 108 remains the key driver as markets balance geopolitical risks with rate and inflation concerns.
The Weekly Brief
Markets Under Pressure as Oil Surges and Equities Extend Losses
Kuwait’s market extended its decline this week, with KSE indices down 1.3%–1.6% and YTD losses nearing -5%. Oil continued to surge to 108.65 (+8.77% wtd; +84.37% YTD), while gold fell sharply but remains modestly positive YTD. Meanwhile, US equities deepened their losses, with major indices down around 2% wtd and YTD declines widening to roughly -5% to -7%.
The Weekly Brief
Kuwait and Saudi Lead GCC Gains Amid Global Market Weakness
GCC markets showed mixed performance this week. Kuwait’s indices rebounded into positive territory, Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul extended gains, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi recorded notable declines. Oman remained a key outperformer. Globally, equities stayed under pressure with US, European, and most Asian markets down amid elevated volatility. Commodities stood out, with oil continuing to surge while gold eased slightly for the week but remained strong year-to-date.
InvestGB Report
From Collateral to Capital: How Has Private Credit Become the Gulf’s Next Frontier?
InvestGB’s report highlights the rapid global rise of private credit, non-bank lending now reshaping corporate and project financing, with the market reaching trillions of dollars. In the Gulf, growth is expected to center on real estate debt due to strong collateral frameworks, regulatory progress, and sovereign investor participation. While risks remain, disciplined, asset-backed lending positions the region for sustainable expansion in private credit.