What you need to know as UAE markets open on September 19

Here are some things you need to know as markets open today in the United Arab Emirates.

1) Nasdaq Dubai-listed ports operator DP World Limited said that it has entered into agreements to acquire two government-owned maritime firms for $405 million.

2) GFH Financial Group, which is listed in Dubai and Bahrain, will hold a board meeting on Sep. 27 to review bank’s strategy and business plans.

3) Cash dividends and bonus shares amounting to AED 32.5 billion have been distributed by 79 companies listed at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market for 2016, according to Securities and Commodities Authority statistics.

4) Oil prices declined on Tuesday, but Brent crude held above the $55-level. The benchmark grade was down 0.2 percent at $55.39/bbl while WTI crude fell 0.1 percent to $49.87/bbl.

5) Stock markets in Asia were mixed towards closing hours. Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index was last up 1.7 percent, while China’s CSI 300 Index fell 0.2 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 0.1 percent.

Write to Nadeshda Zareen at nadeshda.zareen@argaamplus.com