The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) closed at a slight decline on Wednesday, as the market’s benchmark index lost 3.94 pts or 0.09% to 4622.11 pts.

The DFM had commenced in the green but declined gradually till it closed in the red, prompted by pressures from Arabtec, du and Dubai Investments, with the first two ending the session at a decline by 0.23% and 0.18%, respectively and third ending in the green at a 0.64% rise.

Turnover declined today to AED 935.56 million as 355.72 million shares were traded through 6859 transactions. Moreover, a total of 31 companies traded, of which 14 gained, 13 retreated and four stabilised at previous levels.

Market performance was mixed as the services sector topped losers, falling 0.67%, followed by the investment sector, which lost 0.38%. Meanwhile, the insurance sector lead gainers, adding 1.17%.

Aman, Al Salam Bank and Aramex were the top three gainers, adding 2.91%, 2.46% and 2.26%, respectively. On the other hand, Emirates NBD, Al Salam Kuwait and Gulf Navigation were the top three decliners, shedding 2.04%, 0.89% and 0.83%m respectively.

Market experts and analysts had expected the DFM continue its rise after succeeding in overcoming profit-taking on Tuesday and closing in the green.