The Saudi Stock Exchange's main index (TASI) closed slightly higher today, adding 11.97 points to close at 11,121.56 points, a gain of 0.11%. This limited positive performance came amid trading with a total value of approximately SAR 3.5 billion, reflecting a cautious and watchful stance among investors in the market.
Background of market performance in the context of the national economy
This performance comes within a broader context reflecting the Saudi economy's journey towards transformation and diversification within the framework of "Saudi Vision 2030." The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region, is a key indicator of local and international investor confidence in the ongoing economic reforms. The index's movement is directly influenced by several factors, most notably global oil prices, which are a primary driver of government revenues, as well as domestic economic data and growth rates in the non-oil sectors that the Kingdom is striving to develop.
The importance of performance and its impact at different levels
Domestically, market stability above key psychological levels such as 11,000 points boosts the confidence of both individual and institutional investors. Regionally and internationally, the performance of the Saudi Stock Exchange (TASI) remains a focus for foreign investors, particularly after its inclusion in global emerging market indices such as MSCI and FTSE Russell, which has increased foreign capital inflows. Any stability or growth in the market reflects the strength of the Saudi economy and its ability to withstand global challenges, such as interest rate volatility and the policies of major central banks like the US Federal Reserve.
Trading session details
The session saw 216 million shares traded across more than 250,000 transactions. In terms of company performance, the figures showed a clear divergence, with 122 companies' shares rising while 135 companies' shares declined, indicating selective profit-taking in some sectors and position building in others.
The top performing and worst performing stocks:
The top performing stocks included companies such as Petro Rabigh, Yanbu National Petrochemical Company (YANSAB), Alujain Corporation, and Kemanol, with gains ranging between 7% and 10%. Conversely, the worst performing stocks were those of companies like Bawani, Darb Saudi Arabia, Nadec, and Raya.
Most actively traded stocks:
In terms of value, liquidity was concentrated in the shares of leading companies such as Al Rajhi Bank, SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation), and Saudi Aramco. In terms of volume, shares of Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company, Americana Petrochemical Company, and BATC were among the most actively traded.
Parallel market performance (growth)
In contrast, the parallel market index (Nomu) closed down 56.32 points, reaching a level of 22,795.17 points, with trading valued at 22 million riyals, reflecting the divergent performance between the main market and the market dedicated to small and medium-sized companies.
