Please register to access this content.
To continue viewing the content you love, please sign in or create a new account
Dismiss
This content is for our paying subscribers only

Business Markets

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Stock markets rise, oil and gold prices dip on Day 2

India’s Sensex zooms up 1,600 points, and UAE stock markets too start strong



On day 2 of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global markets and commodities are engaging in a smart recovery.
Image Credit: AP/Bloomberg/Shutterstock

Dubai: Global commodity prices and stock markets are engaging in a bit of reset on Day 2 of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with gold dropping from near $1,950 an ounce levels.

Gold is trading at $1,896 (Dubai Gold Rate is Dh217.50 a gram for 22K after starting the day at Dh223), while oil is now off from its $105 a barrel peak to $95. Market analysts say that the turnaround in sentiments started with the US stock markets yesterday (February 24) and since expanded into other categories and geographies. “The US President asserting that the US has no intention to intervene directly helped soothe market fears,” said a market analyst.

Gold – shoppers are still staying on margins

Even after the drop from yesterday’s super-charged gains, gold is still too pricey for most shoppers. According to Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels, "A gain of $100 an ounce, then a drop, and then going up by $50 – what can anyone say with certainty about what’s next for gold."

"For the moment, it’s (gold) still uptrend on prices,” says Anil Dhanak of Kanz Jewels.
Image Credit:

UAE jewellery industry sources said they had not seen gold prices rise so fast and in such a short time like it did yesterday after the first shots and missiles were exchanged across the Russia-Ukraine border.

Advertisement

UAE stocks

The UAE stocks have started the day strong and emerged from the sharp sell-offs witnessed yesterday. All of the major Asian stock markets, except for Hong Kong, are trending positive on Friday, with India’s Sensex up by a substantial 1,600 points.

On DFM, 17 stocks are trending higher, with the general index up 1.1 per cent, while on ADX, the likes of FAB and Aldar were leading the turnaround drive. (The Dubai stock market closed the day at 1.15 per cent up, while ADX was 0.561 per cent up.)

Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer of Century Financial, said: “A roller-coaster of a session happened in the markets yesterday in the belief of a bigger war breaking out. The US markets rebounded sharply (when President Biden said the US will not get involved directly) and that could be most likely the case for UAE today at the opening.”

Profit-taking happened yesterday on UAE real estate and banking sector stocks, which could be great entry points for many who have missed the rally so far. In the commodity markets, we could see profit-taking in the oil and gas sector, as oil is coming down from the highs we saw yesterday.

- Vijay Valecha

Indian rupee starts strong

The Indian rupee also felt the lift in sentiments, firming up to Rs20.35 to a dirham compared to the Rs20.57 it had closed at yesterday. “The mood on the Sensex – which has made significant gains today (February 25) – is mirroring to some extent on the rupee,” said Antony Jos, Executive Director at Joyalukkas Exchange. “But it’s still volatile and we can expect some pressure pushing it to Rs20.50/20.52 levels. It’s all touch and go.”

Advertisement
“I believe the rupee’s strengthening is bound to continue in coming days. It will likely strengthen to Rs20.45 against the dirham. Yesterday’s dip was on account of the sudden global shock, but the INR has recovered well today,” said Nagesh Prabhu, Deputy General Manager – Treasury, LuLu International Exchange. “Until March, the INR will either flatten or strengthen and once the year-end reports of companies are published, we foresee additional strengthening. Meanwhile, fluctuations such as the one seen yesterday may continue as and when sudden global shocks occur.”

As for the Pakistan rupee, he said not much volatility is expected on the currency valuation and it will hover around the 175 mark against USD or 47.6 mark against the dirham.

The lowest point for the rupee is the Rs20.58 it touched earlier this month. For UAE based Indian expats, they would be better off adopting a wait-and-watch before their next remittance. “There will be extreme volatility in the currency and commodity markets until at least mid-March when the US Federal Reserve meets.

"There will be extreme volatility in the currency and commodity markets until at least mid-March when the US Federal Reserve meets," said Antony Jos.
Image Credit:

Then will come the first of the interest rate hikes and that will add its own dynamic to markets everywhere. Russia-Ukraine and US interest rates will be on the agenda for all.

Advertisement