The Saudi stock market (TASI) recorded a notable positive performance today, with the general index achieving strong gains that pushed it up by more than 1.25%, settling above the 10,600-point mark. This rise reflects a prevailing sense of optimism among traders, supported by active buying liquidity and positive regulatory trends aimed at enhancing the Saudi financial market's position on the global stage.
Trading details and company performance
The trading session witnessed significant activity, with the total value of trades reaching approximately 660 million riyals, through the trading of nearly 47.43 million shares. This positive momentum was reflected in the performance of the vast majority of listed companies. Out of 266 companies, 243 closed with higher share prices, while only 21 companies saw their share prices decline, indicating a broad-based upward trend across most sectors.
Among the top performing stocks were Bahri, which jumped by more than 8.3%, followed by Exports at 7.2%, Saudi Re at 5%, Al Yamamah Cement at 4.85%, and finally Shaker Group at 4.76%.
Market liberalization and opening up to foreign investment
These market gains coincide with significant announcements by the Saudi Capital Market Authority, which recently revealed a historic step of opening the financial market to all categories of foreign investors, enabling them to invest directly starting from February 1, 2026. The Authority's board approved the draft regulatory framework that allows non-resident foreign investors to directly enter the main market, in a move aimed at removing previous restrictions and facilitating the flow of capital.
Economic importance and general context
These developments are of paramount importance within the context of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and reduce its dependence on oil. Developing the financial sector and deepening the stock market are key pillars of the Financial Sector Development Program. Fully opening the market to foreign investors would significantly increase the weight of the Saudi market in global indices such as the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and the FTSE Russell Index.
Expanding the investor base to include various categories from around the world will enhance liquidity levels, support transparency and governance in listed companies to keep pace with international standards, making the Saudi market an attractive destination for long-term institutional investments, and enhancing market stability and maturity in the long term.
