Gulf Markets Rise on Firm Oil, Softer US Rate Expectations

By EC Assets · Published 5 October 2026

Gulf stock markets finished higher on Sunday. This gain occurred amid firmer oil prices and softer U.S. interest rate expectations. Renewed investor appetite also contributed to the positive market sentiment after recent heavy selling. The Saudi index was particularly buoyed by these factors. U.S. stock market sentiment improved as easing crude oil prices and softer U.S. Treasury yields helped offset hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve had raised interest rates by 25 basis points. Treasury yields, however, rose to start the current week. Traders are now looking ahead to Federal Reserve minutes. The euro slid as political uncertainty in Spain and France rattled markets. The euro also hit a 17-month low. Global market movements have been driven by Federal Reserve actions, inflation, and various rate decisions. This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.