Kuwait Markets pulled down by Coronavirus hurdle despite strong corporate earnings

Executive Summary

Kuwait and other GCC markets were affected by jittery investor sentiments surrounding the spread of Novel Coronavirus despite posting strong corporate earnings for the full year 2019. GCC markets ended the month in negative territory with Bahrain and Oman posting mild gains. Coronavirus, which originated in China, has spread further across the world, causing panic in Global markets, triggering a sell-off across asset classes.

We see the following issues as key developments during the month of February:

- BK Main 50: Kuwait's new index for Main Markets
- 2019 Corporate Earnings Analysis for Kuwait Premier Market Stocks
- Sustainability of Kuwait's Fiscal policy and the road ahead