Bahrain Bourse recorded the highest gains in the GCC during February 2025. The All Share Index surged 4.3%, closing at 1,960.23 points. This increase marked the strongest growth in 14 months, reversing losses from the previous two months.
Bahrain Bourse demonstrated resilience as most sectors performed well. The Real Estate Index led the way, rising 10.4%. Seef Properties saw a 13% share price jump, driving this increase. The Materials Index also performed strongly, gaining 6.6%. Alba contributed significantly with a similar share price increase.
Alba’s robust performance came after a 54.6% rise in net profit for 2024. The company reported BD184.5 million in profits, up from BD118 million in 2023. Bank ABC also had a strong month, with its shares rising 17.2%. The bank achieved a record net profit of $285 million, reflecting 21% year-on-year growth. Additionally, Arab Insurance Group reported impressive financial results. Its net profit more than doubled, reaching $26.4 million from $14.3 million the previous year.
Despite Bahrain Bourse’s gains, a few companies saw declines. Bahrain Cinema Company’s stock dropped 2.9%, while AlAbraaj Restaurant Group fell 1.7%. Beyon experienced a slight decline of 0.4%.
Trading activity surged due to a large transaction involving Alba shares. The total volume traded skyrocketed to 374.7 million shares, up from 15.9 million in January. Meanwhile, the total value traded soared to BD382.5 million, a massive increase from BD5.5 million in January. Alba dominated trading, contributing 294.5 million shares and BD364.9 million in value.
Bahrain Bourse achieved the top position in the GCC despite regional market struggles. The MSCI GCC index dropped 0.4% in February, reflecting a slowdown in large-cap stocks. However, Kuwait followed Bahrain’s lead, gaining 4.1%, while Dubai posted a 2.6% rise. In contrast, Saudi Arabia faced the largest decline, falling 2.4%. Oman, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi also reported losses of 2.1%, 1.8%, and 0.2%, respectively.
Bahrain Bourse continued to show strength even as global markets declined. The U.S. market faced challenges due to economic slowdown concerns. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine created uncertainty. Additionally, crude oil prices fell 4.7% due to rising supply levels.
Year-to-date, the GCC market remained positive with a 2.6% increase. Kuwait led the gains with a 10% rise, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia also performed well. On the other hand, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar posted year-to-date losses.
Sector-wise, the GCC market showed mixed performance. The real estate sector led the gains, increasing 2.5%. Telecom and banking sectors followed, rising 2% and 1.9%, respectively. However, insurance, healthcare, and utilities faced mid-single-digit declines. Large-cap sectors such as materials and energy also struggled, dropping 5.1% and 1.7%, respectively.
Bahrain Bourse continues to outperform other regional markets. Strong financial results from key companies have contributed to this growth. Despite global challenges, the market remains on a positive trajectory. Investors are closely watching for further developments in the coming months.
