Little change in stock indices amid dull trading

Abu Dhabi: UAE stocks advanced slightly yesterday in thin trading.

In Dubai, the general index gained 0.25 per cent to close at 436.71 points, while Abu Dhabi's benchmark index advanced by 0.17 per cent to 3,489.45 points.

The value of shares traded on both markets was low - about Dh600 million - of which Emaar Properties accounted for Dh306 million.

Sixty-four companies were traded on the two markets, with shares of 27 companies advancing, 25 declining and the rest unchanged. Emaar was the most active share with 21.16 million shares changing hands, followed by Amlak Finance with 7.98 million shares worth Dh58.92 million.

The Emirates Securities Market Index rose by 0.20 per cent to close at 4,631.47 points. The services sector increased by 0.54 per cent, followed by banks that fell 0.02 per cent, the industries sector 0.19 per cent and insurance 0.9 per cent.

Since the beginning of the year, the Emirates Securities Market index has declined by 32.29 per cent, with a total trade value of Dh370.88 billion. Of the 101 listed shares, 15 have risen and 78 have fallen.

The services sector index has the lead over the other indices, with a decline of 26.77 per cent since the end of last year to 4,488 points. The banking sector index has declined by 33.27 per cent to close at 4,932 points.

The insurance sector index has fallen 34.37 per cent to settle at 3,700 points, followed by the industries sector index which has fallen 49.23 per cent to end at 531 points.