The Saudi stock market (TASI) recorded a significant and historic surge in trading today (Wednesday), achieving massive market gains exceeding 78.88 billion riyals in a single session. This strong rise came in immediate response to the Capital Market Authority's landmark decision to allow all foreign investors to trade directly in the Saudi market, thus eliminating the previous requirement that restricted investment to the category of "qualified foreign investors" only.
Index performance and trading details
According to field observations, the general market index reacted very positively, closing at 10,429.82 points, a rise of 139.06 points and a growth rate of 1.35%. This optimism was reflected in the total market capitalization of listed companies, which jumped to SAR 8.75 trillion. In terms of company performance, 48 companies saw significant gains, while 213 companies experienced declines, and 5 companies maintained their price stability. Data also indicated that the value of foreign ownership in the market reached approximately SAR 415.53 billion, a figure expected to increase substantially in the coming period.
Context of the decision and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This event cannot be read in isolation from the general economic context of the Kingdom; this decision comes as a culmination of a series of structural reforms that the Saudi financial market has witnessed since the launch of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. After the Kingdom began gradually opening its market to Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI) in 2015, and its subsequent inclusion in global emerging market indices such as MSCI and FTSE Russell, today’s step removes all barriers to foreign capital flows, which enhances Tadawul’s position as one of the largest and most important financial markets in the region and the world.
Expected economic effects
This decision is expected to deepen the financial market and significantly increase liquidity levels, providing listed companies with broader opportunities for financing and growth. Opening the market to all categories of foreign investors will also enhance pricing efficiency and raise the level of transparency and governance, in line with international standards. Analysts believe this move will attract new segments of capital that have been anticipating easier access to the Saudi market, thus supporting the non-oil domestic economy.
Performance of leading stocks and sectors
Among blue-chip stocks, the banking and energy sectors led the rally. Al Rajhi Bank shares rose 3% to SAR 99.25, while National Commercial Bank (NCB) shares jumped 6% to close at SAR 40.04. Oil giant Saudi Aramco shares also climbed 1% to SAR 23.58. Other major companies saw gains, including SABIC, STC, ACWA Power, and Almarai, with increases ranging from 1% to 4%. Research and Media shares topped the list of gainers, surging 8%, while Tadawul Group shares experienced exceptional activity, the highest in three years, rising 5% with a turnover exceeding SAR 400 million.
Preliminary facilities
It is worth noting that this decision was preceded by regulatory groundwork in July 2025, when the Capital Market Authority approved facilities for opening investment accounts for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and those who had previously resided in the Kingdom, thus paving the way for this comprehensive step aimed at maximizing the confidence of the international investment community in the Saudi economy.
