The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) ended Monday in the green for the second successive session, adding 0.46% or 22.83 pts to 4950.26 pts.

Turnover stood at AED 881.35 million as 101.62 million shares changed hands through the execution of 1711 transactions. A total of 32 companies traded today, of which 14 gained, 10 retreated and eight remained unchanged.

Market performance was mixed as the investment and industrial sectors topped decliners, falling 1.42% and 1.26%, respectively, whereas the energy sector topped gainers, adding 2.66%, supported by Dana Gas, which added 3.33%.

Eshraq’s rights issued topped gainers today, adding 20%. On the stocks level, Foodco topped gainers, surging by 10.83%, whereas National Takaful Company (WATANIA) topped losers, dropping 9.35%.

The real estate sector added 0.66% as Aldar Properties rose by 0.91% to AED 3.32. RAK Properties cut the sector’s gains after shedding 1.22% to AED 0.81.

The industrial sector’s 1.26% decline was attributed to Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development Co. (SCIDC) and Arkan Building Materials falling 8.87% and 4.08% to AED 1.13 and AED 1.41, respectively.

Commenting on the ADX’s performance today, UAE stock market analyst Nasser Aref said that a state of anticipation has gripped investors in the UAE markets, prompting them to quick profit-taking for fear of incurring losses.

The ADX is dominated by investors rather than speculators like on the DFM, Aref told Mubasher in a statement, adding that this allows the ADX to hold stronger and not suffer the strong fluctuation seen on the DFM.

Concerning low liquidity on UAE market in general in the past period, Aref attributed this decline to investors keeping their distance from the market at present amid this unclear atmosphere. He ruled out the possibility of initial public offerings (IPOs) being the reason behind this decline in liquidity.

As for his expectations regarding the ADX’s performance on Tuesday, Aref told Mubasher that he expects the ADX to incur some profit-taking at the beginning of the session, following its recent gains and owing to the idea that investors are not convinced that the market has taken a rising trend.