In a promising start to a new fiscal year, the Saudi Stock Exchange’s main index (TASI) ended its first trading session of 2026 on Thursday with a notable rise, reflecting a state of optimism prevailing among traders and investors in the region’s largest financial market.
The general index closed 0.6% higher at 10,549 points, supported by buying activity across a wide range of market sectors. Total trading value during the session reached approximately SAR 1.6 billion, with nearly 95 million shares traded. The market capitalization of listed shares reached a substantial SAR 8.817 trillion, according to data from the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).
Company and sector performance
The opening session of 2026 was marked by widespread positivity, with green dominating trading screens. Shares of 218 companies closed higher, indicating that liquidity was not concentrated solely in leading stocks but extended to mid- and small-cap companies as well. Gulf Training, CGS, Abu Moati, MedGulf Insurance, and Aseeg topped the list of gainers.
In contrast, the session witnessed a limited decline in the shares of only 37 companies, led by the shares of "Naseej", "Al-Ghaz", "Nama Chemicals", "Salama" and "Jazz", which reflects the selectivity of speculators and natural profit-taking in some positions.
Economic context and market importance
This positive performance of the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) comes within a broader economic context, as Saudi Arabia continues to reap the benefits of structural economic reforms under Vision 2030. The Saudi financial market is a true reflection of the strength of the national economy, playing a pivotal role in attracting foreign investment and diversifying income sources. The index's stability above 10,500 points at the beginning of the year sends reassuring signals to financial institutions and investment funds regarding the attractiveness of the Saudi market compared to other emerging markets.
The high market capitalization and diversity of listed companies also enhance the depth of the market and increase its ability to absorb cash flows, both local and international, especially with the ongoing regulatory developments approved by the Capital Market Authority to raise the level of transparency and governance.
Parallel market gains (growth)
In parallel with the main market, the Nomu Parallel Market Index closed Thursday's trading session with a strong performance, rising by nearly 1% to close at 23,519 points. Trading value on Nomu reached approximately SAR 17 million, with 3 million shares traded, while the market capitalization stood at SAR 42.1 million.
The session in the parallel market witnessed remarkable activity, with the shares of 43 companies rising, compared to the decline in the shares of 21 companies out of a total of 126 listed companies, which confirms the promising investment opportunities that this market provides for emerging and small companies wishing to grow and expand.
