Investing.com – Most Gulf equity markets ended lower on Sunday as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran entered its third week, raising concerns about regional stability and energy supplies.
The conflict has disrupted energy flows and raised fears of a wider regional escalation after attacks on oil infrastructure and shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that further strikes could target Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub, while Tehran vowed to intensify its response.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index slipped 0.1%, with Saudi National Bank (TADAWUL:1180) falling 1.3%, while oil giant Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222) rose 0.7% as crude prices gained amid continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Elsewhere in the region, Qatar's benchmark index fell 0.2%, dragged down by a 1.3% decline in Qatar National Bank. Bahrain's index eased 0.5%, Kuwait's market dipped 0.1%, and Oman's benchmark lost 0.4%.
The escalating conflict is also affecting regional activity, with Formula One announcing that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April will not take place due to security concerns.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index fell 1.9%, weighed down by a 2.6% drop in Commercial International Bank (EGX:COMI).
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