The Saudi Stock Exchange's main index (TASI) opened trading on Tuesday with a positive performance reflecting investor optimism, rising 0.3% to reach 10,357 points. The first few minutes of the session saw significant buying and selling activity, with trading volume reaching approximately SAR 198 million, indicating healthy liquidity at the start of the session.
According to data released by the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), the volume of shares traded reached approximately 11 million, while the total market capitalization of listed shares remained stable at a substantial SAR 8.669 trillion. This figure clearly demonstrates the depth and strength of the Saudi financial market, one of the largest markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, and a focal point for both foreign and domestic investment portfolios.
Company and sector performance
Regarding company performance, the market was predominantly green, with 211 companies seeing their market capitalization rise at the start of trading, compared to only 35 companies whose shares declined, out of a total of 266 companies listed on the general index. The top gainers included Electrical Industries Company, Canadian Medical Center, Industries Company, Arabian Cement, and Al-Babitin. Conversely, the biggest losers were Umm Al-Qura Cement, Burgerizer, Investment REIT Fund, National Education, and Emaar.
Economic context and market importance
This rise comes amidst the ongoing economic activity in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, where the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) plays a pivotal role in developing the national economy and diversifying income sources. The index's stability above 10,000 points reinforces investor confidence in the market's regulatory and legislative environment and underscores the attractiveness of investment opportunities available across various sectors, from petrochemicals and banking to retail and services.
Parallel market (growth)
In parallel with the main market, the Nomu Parallel Market Index rose 0.2% at the start of trading on Tuesday, reaching 23,279 points. Trading volume in this market, dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reached approximately SAR 478,500, with 67,800 shares traded, representing a market capitalization of SAR 41.8 million. Shares of eight companies rose at the start of the session, while shares of four companies declined, out of a total of 127 listed companies. The Nomu Parallel Market is a vital platform for supporting the growth of national businesses and enabling them to list with more flexible requirements, thus contributing to the expansion of the national economy.
