MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets gain on Iran deal
Tadawul All Shares Index TASI.SA | 0.00 |
June 15 (Reuters) - Most Gulf equities rose in early trade on Monday after the U.S. and Iran announced a preliminary deal to end the war and restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan's prime minister said the two countries are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland on Friday, following mediation by Islamabad.
Trump said on Sunday the waterway would reopen "toll free" and that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would be lifted, while Iran's Mehr news agency reported the draft deal envisages reopening it within 30 days under Iranian arrangements.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index .TASI gained 0.5%, with the country's biggest lender by assets, Saudi National Bank 1180.SE
However, oil giant Saudi Aramco 2222.SE slipped 1.1%.
Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell $3.65, or 4.2%, to $83.68 a barrel by 0630 GMT. O/R
Qatar's benchmark index .QSI advanced 1%, with Qatar National Bank QNBK.QA, the region's largest lender, jumped 1.9%.
UAE bourses were closed for a public holiday.
