Markets DFM first-quarter profit jumps on higher trading activity By Sunil Singh May 2, 2025, 11:38 AM Alamy via Reuters Dubai International Financial Centre, home of Dubai Financial Market DFM profit up 40% for Q1 2025 13,400 daily trades 86% of new traders foreign nationals Profit at Dubai Financial Market surged more than 40 percent year on year in the first quarter, driven by the highest trading activity in more than a decade, the company said. Net profit before tax rose to AED135 million ($37 million) in the three months to March 31, compared with AED95.6 million in the same period last year, driven by greater trading activity in both volume and value, and an influx of new investors to the exchange, the DFM said in a statement. “DFM’s record trading performance in the first quarter of 2025 is a clear reflection of the strength and growing depth of our market,” said Hamed Ali, the CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai. DFM is the Gulf’s third-largest stock exchange in terms of market capitalisation of all its listed companies. Revenue increased 26 percent to AED187 million, and the average daily trading value almost 70 percent to AED663 million, the highest in “more than a decade”, the exchange said. Market volatility adds allure to utilities and telecoms New Kuwait laws will stimulate banks, says Fitch Dubai Investments plans IPO before year end, says CEO The average number of daily trades rose by a third to more than 13,400, and the number of new investors to the market increased to almost 19,500, almost all of whom – 86 percent – were foreign nationals, it said. Total expenses excluding tax fell around 2 percent to less than AED52 million. Market capitalisation of DFM-listed companies declined 1 percent to just shy of AED900 billion. DFM shares, which closed at AED1.3 on Thursday, are down 8 percent year to date Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
