Abu Dhabi shares edged lower yesterday amid low liquidity as investors watched for clues on dividend payouts after a volatile 2011 for financial markets.
Finance:
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Aldar Properties, the capital's largest developer, fell 4.4 per cent to 86 fils. Sorouh Real Estate, the second largest, declined 2.5 per cent to 76 fils. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange General Index was down 1 per cent, the most in a week, to 2,360.96.
The index lost more than 11 per cent last year after unrest in parts of the Middle East and North Africa as well as Europe's debt crisis weakened investor sentiment.
"Cash dividend is in demand now," said Mohammed Ali Yasin, the chief investment officer at CAPM Investment in Dubai. "This is what everyone is looking at now."
Investors will be restructuring their portfolios at this time, moving away from speculative stocks to companies that have traditionally offered high yields, Mr Yasin said.
Shuaa Capital, the country's largest investment bank, fell 0.4 per cent to 47 fils. Union Properties, a Dubai developer, dropped 2.8 per cent to 24 fils. Dubai Financial Market Company, the vehicle through which Dubai's main bourse sells its own shares to the public, declined 2.2 per cent to 80 fils. The Dubai Financial Market General Index was little changed at 1,335.47.
Elsewhere: Kuwait's index lost 0.5 per cent to close at 5,694.10; Bahrain's was down 0.2 per cent to 1,134.91; Oman's slipped 0.1 per cent to 5,733.23; Qatar's retreated 0.2 per cent to 8,809.75; and the Saudi Tadawul All-Share Index fell 0.3 per cent to 6,442.60.
halsayegh@thenational.ae
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Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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