Global markets hit by US-China trade war, oil prices volatility in 2018

Several economic events weighed on the performance of global markets last year, including the US-China trade war, as both states continue to impose tariffs on goods traded between them, a study conducted by Argaam showed.

Also, oil prices volatility was amongst the factors that reflected on the markets’ performance last year. Oil prices dropped by 20 percent at $53.9/bbl, over supply abundance woes and lower global demand.

In addition, some currencies lost strength before the US dollar, including the Turkish lira, and Argentine’s Peso.

Other major economic events in 2018 included the Federal Reserve’s decision to increase rates four times during the year.

In terms of performance of global indices, China’s SZSE Component Index was the worst performer, plunging 34 percent.

Meanwhile, the Arab worst performing markets were led by Dubai Financial Market Index (DFM) – the world’s fourth decliner - which plummeted 25 percent, on the steep decline of real estate prices.

The Ukraine PFTS Index was the top gainer, soaring 78 percent following the government’s economic reforms.

Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) was amongst the best performers, rising by 8 percent upon the inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Market Index.

The top gainers’ list included six Arab countries, led by Qatar Stock Exchange (QE) which added 21 percent and Abu Dhabi Securities Market General Index (ADSMI) – the ninth position -  which increased by 12 percent on the improved performance of energy and banking stocks.

Among Arab and GCC markets, the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) and Muscat Securities Market (MSM) ended the year down by 15 percent each, as EGX was subdued by the government latest austerity measures.

Conversely, among the best performing indices was Qatar Exchange (QE) which gained 21 percent and Tunis Stock Exchange indices; Tunis TUNINDEX (16 percent) and Tunis Index 20 (15 percent). Also, Kuwait Stock Exchange Index was ranked the fifth among the Arab countries (10 percent) and then came TASI (8 percent) were the best performers, while the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) took the eighth position, edging up 0.2 percent in 2017.