The fourth-quarter figures will give the first firm indication of the impact of the credit crisis on local companies, as well as the likely depth of the downturn." Khalek predicts rumoured dividends will spark some stock moves. Analysts largely expect firms to forgo cash dividends, especially in project-based sectors such as construction and real estate, but Deyaar's surprise jump in full-year profits has spurred optimism that listed firms may be more generous than anticipated. For example, on Sunday, Rak Cement proposed a dividend of Dh0.11 per share after posting a 46 per cent rise in annual profits and with the company's shares valued at less than Dh1 before trading started yesterday, investors piled into the stock to push it up more than nine per cent to close on Dh1.06. The stock is to see some profit taking today, but with most dividends paid early in the second quarter, a rough 10 per cent return for a three-month investment will be a tantalising prospect for many investors.