Gulf equities mixed as Ras Tanura strike unnerves investors

Gulf stock markets closed unevenly on Wednesday after reports of a missile attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery renewed concerns over regional conflict and oil supplies. Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for striking the 550,000-barrel-per-day facility, while Saudi authorities had not confirmed the attack at the time of reporting, Business Recorder said.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index recovered to finish 0.4% higher, but Dubai fell 0.3% and Abu Dhabi lost 1.6%; Qatar advanced 0.7%. Brent crude gained $1.31, or 1.2%, to $115.19 a barrel by 1115 GMT, while the report also cited Strait of Hormuz disruptions and regional mediation efforts. Pakistan was among the countries represented at talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday.