Cairo — Egypt’s stock market ended trading on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 on a mixed note, with the benchmark index retreating for a second consecutive session as investors continued to take profits in heavyweight stocks, while broader market indices extended gains on sustained interest in mid- and small-cap shares.
The benchmark EGX30 fell 0.77% to 54,058.75 points, according to data from the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), while the EGX33 Shariah index edged down 0.04% and the EGX35-LV slipped 0.08%.
In contrast, broader market performance remained positive. The EGX70 index of small and medium-sized companies rose 0.86% to 14,935.82 points, while the broader EGX100 advanced 0.71% to 20,825.02 points, extending recent gains as buying interest remained concentrated in non-blue-chip shares.
Total market capitalisation stood at approximately EGP 3.822tn, remaining near recent record levels despite weakness in large-cap stocks.
Investor flows highlighted a sharp divergence in positioning. Non-Arab foreign investors were net buyers by approximately EGP 60.35bn, while Egyptian and Arab investors were net sellers, recording outflows of around EGP 57.16bn and EGP 3.19bn, respectively, according to EGX data.
The session’s strongest gains came from selected consumer and real-estate-related shares. Misr Duty Free Shops surged 19.99%, extending recent momentum in retail-linked stocks, while United Housing & Development climbed 16.25% and Ismailia Misr Poultry rose 10.22%. On the downside, Tycoon Holding for Financial Investments fell 3.95%, while Al Baraka Bank Egypt declined 3.56% and Pioneers Properties for Urban Development (PRE Group) slipped 2.88%.
The session came as regional markets remained sensitive to developments surrounding negotiations between the United States and Iran. Recent reporting by Reuters indicated that Gulf equity markets traded cautiously as investors monitored oil-price volatility and shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz, although improving domestic macroeconomic conditions continued to support sentiment in Egypt.
Local economic indicators have recently strengthened market confidence. Earlier this month, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) reported that annual core inflation slowed to 13.8% in April, while net foreign reserves rose to $53.01bn, supporting expectations of greater macroeconomic stability and continued currency resilience.
Recent policy signals have also remained supportive for Egyptian equities. EnterpriseAM reported this week that discussions surrounding potential amendments to capital gains taxation on stock market transactions continue to be monitored closely by investors, amid broader government efforts to deepen Egypt’s capital markets and attract additional liquidity.
Market view: Tuesday’s session reinforced the recent divergence between blue-chip performance and broader market momentum. While profit-taking weighed on the EGX30, continued foreign buying and strong gains in mid- and small-cap stocks indicated that trading activity remained active, particularly in sectors linked to domestic consumption and real estate.
