Abu Dhabi – Mubasher: The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) retreated from early-morning gains and ended at a decline on Wednesday, breaking a two-session rise after profit-taking on the real estate sector.

The general index fell 0.13% or 5.81 points and closed at 4,630.99 points. Turnover dropped significantly to AED 184.60 million from AED 317.6 million on Tuesday, with 60 million shares exchanged through 1,681 transactions against 145.54 million shares yesterday, registering a decline of 42%.

The real estate sector slipped 1.15% as Aldar Properties and Manazel Real Estate lost 1.38% and 1.49%, respectively, while Eshraq and RAK Properties stabilised at their previous levels.

The banking sector inched down 0.08% as Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) retreated 0.39%, whereas the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) reduced the sector’s fall after adding 1.36%.

The energy sector grew 1.82% as TAQA surged 5.80%.

The real estate sector was the most active in terms of turnover, reaching AED 76.11 million as Aldar and First Gulf Bank (FGB) traded for AED 64 million and AED 23.5 million, respectively.

Analysts told Mubasher that UAE markets were expected to continue their positive performance on Wednesday, but speculators were predicted to resort to quick profit-taking that would slow down the wave of gains.