First published: 22-Jun-2026 12:45:04

Fatima Al-Kashef

Arab stock markets are monitoring developments in talks between the United States and Iran, after officials from both sides concluded the first round of high-level negotiations in Switzerland, which resulted in the two sides agreeing on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days.

According to a joint statement issued by Qatar and Pakistan, the mediators of the talks, the discussions made "encouraging progress," with technical talks continuing this week. The understandings also included measures to support the security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to end the fighting in Lebanon.

Oil and gold

By 12:20 a.m. UAE time on Monday, Brent crude futures had fallen 0.77% to $79.80 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures had risen slightly by 0.8% to $77.2 a barrel, according to market data.

Gold futures on the Comex exchange also fell by 0.7% to $4,196.80 an ounce.

Arab stock exchanges

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange index rose by 0.29%, the Dubai Financial Market index climbed by 0.13%, the Qatar Stock Exchange index fell by 0.04%, and the Bahrain All Share Index declined by 0.1%, according to market data.

According to stock exchange data, the main Saudi market index fell by about 0.1%, the Muscat Stock Exchange index fell by about 1.1%, and the main index of the Egyptian Stock Exchange fell by 0.2%, by the same time.

(Prepared by: Fatima Al-Kashef, Edited by: Shaimaa Hefzy, Contact: zawya.arabic@lseg.com )

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