Kuwait City, February 17 (QNA) - Kuwait's stock market closed modestly higher on Tuesday, with the main index gaining 0.17% amid steady trading activity.

The general index at the Boursa Kuwait rose 15.17 points to finish at 8,697.46 points. A total of 159.9 million shares changed hands across 14,684 cash transactions, with a combined value of KWD 52.6 million (approximately $160.4m).

The Main Market Index climbed 16.15 points, or 0.20%, to 8,083.53 points. Trading on the main market saw 67.7 million shares exchanged through 7,483 transactions, worth KWD 16.3 million (about $49.7m).

Meanwhile, the Premier Market Index advanced 15.47 points, or 0.17%, closing at 9,278.97 points. Some 83.2 million shares were traded in 7,201 deals, with a total value of KWD 36.2 million (around $110.4m).

In contrast, the Main 50 Index fell sharply, shedding 82.62 points, or 0.96%, to 8,683.69 points. Trading in this segment amounted to 56.7 million shares across 5,838 transactions, valued at KWD 13.6 million (approximately $41.4m).

Overall, the session reflected cautious optimism in the broader market, despite losses in the Main 50 segment. (QNA)