Dubai: UAE stocks ended mixed on Tuesday even as crude oil slipped, with investors waiting for comments from the US Federal Reserve chief later in the day.

The Dubai Financial Market General Index ended 0.17 per cent higher at 3,838.69, after moving in the tight range of 3,824.74-3,846.92. Volumes were pegged at a little more than Dh400 million, about more than a half of the normal average of Dh1 billion.

“We have seen very low volumes for the past few days. People are kind of having a wait-and-see attitude towards new investments now. There are no real catalysts for investors to react as well,” said Saleem Khokhar, head of equities, at National Bank of Abu Dhabi Asset Management.

The Dubai index would become risky if it goes below 3,555, said Osama Al Ashri, member of British organisation, Society of Technical Analysts.

Shuaa Capital, which ended 8.10 per cent higher at Dh0.681, was the top gainer in trade. Takaful Emarat ended 7.53 per cent higher at Dh1, making it the second biggest gainer.

Gulf Finance House, which ended 1.98 per cent lower at Dh0.297, was the most-active stock in trade, followed by Arabtec, which ended 1.30 per cent higher at Dh3.11.

“We are very positive on GFH and shares may hit resistance level at Dh0.3280/0.35,” said Al Ashri.

Emaar Properties, which has the highest weightage on the index, ended 1.08 per cent higher at Dh7.48.

Emaar Properties may hit a new target of above Dh8 within few weeks, said Al Ashri.

Out of a total of 32 stocks traded on the exchange, shares of 15 companies fell, while shares of 14 companies rose.

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index ended at 4,621.03, down 0.20 per cent.

ADX may enter a risky area if it breaches support level of 4,288, but the risk would reduce if it breaches resistance level of 4,790, said Al Ashri.

Invest Bank, which ended 9.15 per cent lower at Dh2.68, was the top loser in trade, followed by Gulf Pharmaceuticals, which ended 3.44 per cent lower at Dh3.09. First Gulf Bank, which was the most active stock in terms of value, ended steady at Dh17.7.

Out of a total 33 stocks traded on the exchange, shares of 12 companies rose, while shares of 11 companies fell.

Saudi’s Tadawul All Share TASI index was slightly higher. The Tadawul index was 0.61 per cent higher at 9,290.82.

Elsewhere in Gulf, Qatar Exchange Index ended 0.19 per cent lower at 12,525.88. Muscat Securities MSM 30 Index ended 0.21 per cent lower at 6,599.15.

Kuwait Stock Exchange Index ended 0.16 per cent lower at 6,601.43.