Closing Bell: Saudi main closes in green at 12,062.09

Closing Bell: Saudi main closes in green at 12,062.09
The best-performing stock of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. Shutterstock
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Updated 29 October 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main closes in green at 12,062.09

Closing Bell: Saudi main closes in green at 12,062.09

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Tuesday, gaining 8.94 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 12,062.09.

The total trading value of the benchmark index was SR7.19 billion ($1.92 billion), as 52 of the listed stocks advanced, while 178 retreated.  

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 4.53 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 1,517.79.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu declined by 179.6 points, or 0.67 percent, to close at 26,623.1. This comes as 23 of the listed stocks advanced, while 43 retreated.

The best-performing stock of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., with its share price surging by 8.33 percent to SR0.26. 

Other top performers included Zamil Industrial Investment Co., which saw its share price rise by 6.39 percent to SR29.15.

Saudi Arabian Mining Co. and Red Sea International Co. also saw positive change today at 3.10 percent and 2.85 percent to SR56.5 and SR72.3, respectively.

The worst performer of the day was Leejam Sports Co., whose share price fell by 6.31 percent to SR193.

Riyadh Cement Co. and Arabian Mills Co. for Food Products also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 4.10 percent and 3.49 percent to SR28.10 and SR58, respectively.  

Raydan Food Co. and Union Cooperative Insurance Co. also saw negative changes today at 3.47 percent and 3.3 percent to SR24.18 and SR21.1, respectively.

On the announcements front, Thimar Development Holding Co. reported its interim financial results for the nine months ending Sept. 30, showing a net loss of SR11.28 million, which is 351.43 percent higher than the same period last year.

According to Tadawul, this loss occurred despite an increase in other revenues and is attributed to higher general and administrative expenses, as well as costs arising from adjustments to cash flows for financial obligations.

The company’s stock closed at SR43.1, down by 2.82 percent.

Mobile Telecommunication Co. Saudi Arabia, also known as Zain, announced a net profit of SR322 million for the nine months ending Sept. 30; however, this represents a 75.62 percent decline from the same period last year.

Operating expenses rose by SR123 million, and provisions for bad debts surged by SR217 million, according to Tadawul figures, which likely affected overall profitability.

The company also encountered financial obligations, including an SR633 million installment payment to the MFA in September, along with associated interest charges.

Furthermore, Zain invested SR293 million in capital expenditures during the third quarter of 2024 to improve customer experience and service quality, further pressuring net profit.

The stock closed the session at SR10.8, reflecting an increase of 0.37 percent.

Lejam Sports Co. reported a net profit of SR355 million as preliminary results during the same period, recording a 56.39 percent increase.

According to Tadawul, factors contributing to the profit increase include a growing subscriber base and the “Your Club Change” renewal program, which spurred the expansion of operating centers and higher cleaning and maintenance costs.

There was also a significant rise in non-recurring income, despite increases in general and administrative expenses and sales and marketing costs due to investments in technology and advertising.

Additionally, the firm recorded a SR7 million profit from a short-term Murabah investment. The stock closed the session at SR193, reflecting a decline of 6.31 percent.

United Electronics Co., also known as Extra, recorded SR356.7 million during this period, registering a 34.92 percent rise.

According to the statement, the company’s revenue growth and improved gross profit contributed to the increase, despite higher selling, distribution, administrative expenses, and financing costs.

The company’s shares ended the session at SR99.8, a decline of 1.38 percent.


Kuwait and Qatar maintain non-energy growth; Egypt’s private sector rebounds: S&P Global

Kuwait and Qatar maintain non-energy growth; Egypt’s private sector rebounds: S&P Global
Updated 23 sec ago
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Kuwait and Qatar maintain non-energy growth; Egypt’s private sector rebounds: S&P Global

Kuwait and Qatar maintain non-energy growth; Egypt’s private sector rebounds: S&P Global

RIYADH: Non-oil private sectors in Kuwait and Qatar continued their growth momentum in January, while business conditions in Egypt saw a strong rebound after more than four years of slowdown, according to S&P Global.

In a new report, the financial services firm revealed that Kuwait’s purchasing managers’ index reached 53.4 in January, marginally down from 54.1 in December but still comfortably above the 50 neutral mark. 

According to S&P Global, any PMI reading above 50 signifies the expansion of the private business conditions, while below 50 indicates contraction. 

The steady momentum of non-oil business activities across Middle Eastern countries highlights the progress of their economic diversification efforts. Notably, the Kingdom recorded a PMI of 60.5 in January, the highest level in 10 years.

“It was pleasing to see Kuwait’s non-oil private sector pick up in 2025 where it left off in 2024, posting strong increases in output and new orders,” said Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

The study revealed that business activities in Kuwait continued to rise in January despite the rate of growth falling to a three-month low. 

“Encouragingly, the pace of job creation picked up and was the joint-fastest on record equal with June and November 2024,” added Harker. 

However, S&P Global underlined that despite this there is still set to be a rise in work backlogs driven by the influx of new businesses.

Respondents who participated in the PMI survey also revealed that some of their businesses benefited from Kuwait’s hosting of the Arabian Gulf Cup at the start of the month. 

New export orders also increased in January due to new deals received by Kuwaiti businesses from neighboring Arab nations. 

According to the study, business confidence regarding the future outlook remained strongly positive despite easing to a four-month low. 

“Firms are also optimistic that growth will continue over the course of the year, and so they will need to keep raising capacity in the months ahead if they are to keep up with demand,” added Harker. 

Qatar maintains growth momentum 

In a separate report, S&P Global said that Qatar’s PMI fell from 52.9 in December to 50.2 in January, signaling a slower overall improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector economy. 

The US-based agency added that the rate of employment growth in Qatar’s non-energy sector eased in January. Still, over the past five months, jobs have increased faster than in any previous period in the survey history. 

“The headline PMI fell for the first time in four months at the start of 2025, but managed to remain just above 50.0 thanks to a further marked increase in employment. In each of the past five months, the non-energy economy has added more jobs than in any previous period since the survey began in 2017,” said Trevor Balchin, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

He added: “This has been accompanied by strong wage increases, with labor costs increasing at a fresh record pace in January.” 

Qatar’s PMI decline in January was mainly due to a fall in new businesses, especially in the construction sector. 

S&P Global added that total outstanding business in the non-energy private sector economy continued to rise in January, albeit at a slower rate. 

“The drop in the PMI mainly reflected a decline in new business, only the second of the past two years. But this was heavily driven by the construction sector, with manufacturing and wholesale & retail recording further robust increases in new orders,” said Balchin. 

He added: “Overall, the level of work in hand but not completed continued to rise, and the 12-month outlook remains strongly positive.” 

Egypt’s non-energy economy rebounds in January

In a report focusing on Egypt, S&P Global said the north African country’s PMI stood at 50.7 in January, up from 48.1 in December, signaling positive growth in the nation’s non-energy sector. 

Egypt’s PMI in January was at its highest level since November 2020, having risen above the 50 neutral mark only twice in this period, the other being in August. 

According to the survey, this growth in the non-oil private sector was driven by a softening of cost pressures as some material prices fell. 

“Growth at the start of 2025 was welcome news for Egypt’s non-oil private sector, which has struggled in recent times amid rampant inflation and the wider effects of regional instability. A reduction in some input prices helped to soften cost pressures and fuel a pick-up in sales for only the second time in over three years,” said David Owen, senior economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

This growth in Egypt’s non-oil economy happened just a month after the International Monetary Fund reached an agreement with Egyptian authorities, allowing the North African nation to access about $1.2 billion to strengthen its troubled finances. 

Survey respondents said that business activity and new orders rose modestly in January, adding that an improvement in economic conditions and falling inflationary pressures gave clients greater confidence to place new orders. 

The report added that manufacturing, construction, and wholesale and retail sectors witnessed positive growth in January, while Egypt’s services sector posted a decline in expansion. 

After a two-month streak of job cuts, total employment also stabilized across the non-oil economy in January. 

“The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas likely added confidence to markets in January,” said Owen. 

Despite improvement in overall business conditions, firms were restrained in their outlook of future activity in January, with expectations slipping from December to a historically low level. 

“Business expectations for the next 12 months remain subdued, showing that firms are still uncertain about economic stability over the longer term,” said Owen. 

He added: “The survey’s price metrics gave some hopeful signs for inflation. The official CPI rate dropped to a two-year low of 24.1 percent in December, and our findings suggest that this should continue to fall in the months to come.” 


Saudi minister leads delegation to India to bolster industrial and mining ties

Saudi minister leads delegation to India to bolster industrial and mining ties
Updated 27 min 57 sec ago
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Saudi minister leads delegation to India to bolster industrial and mining ties

Saudi minister leads delegation to India to bolster industrial and mining ties

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and India are set to strengthen commercial and mining ties, with key agreements expected during a four-day visit by the Kingdom’s industry minister.

Bandar Alkhorayef, leading a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, is scheduled to meet top Indian ministers to explore partnership opportunities in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The visit, which includes stops in New Delhi and Mumbai — India’s commercial hub — aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy and position Saudi Arabia as a global industrial and mining powerhouse.

This follows growing trade ties between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia’s non-energy goods exports to India rising 19.4 percent in November to SR2.52 billion ($672 million), while imports from India reached SR3.14 billion.

On the first day of his visit, which began on Feb. 3, Alkhorayef met with Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister of Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in petrochemicals, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals, as well as medical devices, heavy machinery, automobiles, and spare parts.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening ties and boosting investment and industrial development through joint initiatives.

In his meeting with Kumaraswamy, Alkhorayef highlighted Saudi Arabia’s national industrial strategy and the role of the iron and steel sector in fostering industrial integration between the two countries.

India also expressed interest in participating in magnesium ore extraction in Saudi Arabia to produce refractory raw materials for the iron and steel industry. The Kingdom’s role in hosting the Saudi International Iron and Steel Conference was also emphasized.

In a subsequent meeting with Minister of Industry and Supply Piyush Goyal, Alkhorayef discussed attracting high-quality investments to drive growth in critical sectors. Both ministers highlighted strong economic and bilateral ties, noting significant potential for deeper industrial collaboration.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi exports to India reached SR8.8 billion in October, accounting for 9.5 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports. The primary exports included mineral fuels, oils, waxes, and fertilizers.

Meanwhile, Saudi imports from India largely consisted of vehicles, boilers, and machinery, including industrial components such as engines and pumps for various sectors.


Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector sees decade-high growth as PMI hits 60.5 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector sees decade-high growth as PMI hits 60.5 
Updated 04 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector sees decade-high growth as PMI hits 60.5 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector sees decade-high growth as PMI hits 60.5 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector saw its strongest growth for a decade in January, with the Kingdom’s Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 60.5, driven by surging new orders and business activity, a new survey showed. 

The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank PMI, released by S&P Global, jumped from 58.4 in December to its highest level in ten years, signaling robust momentum in the non-oil economy at the start of 2025.

This comes as Saudi Arabia’s push to expand its non-oil sector delivered a 19.7 percent year-on-year rise in exports in November to SR26.92 billion ($7.18 billion), with Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim revealing that such activities now account for 52 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, further bolstering its economic transformation. 

Saudi Arabia’s PMI in January surpassed that of other countries in the region such as Egypt and Kuwait, indicating that the Kingdom’s non-oil sector growth is in line with the goals outlined in Vision 2030.

“This strong performance underscores the resilience of the non-oil private sector, fueled by surging new orders and a significant rise in business output. The Output Index, reaching its highest level in 18 months, underscores strong demand conditions, with nearly 30 percent of firms reporting higher activity levels,” said Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank. 

The expansion was fueled by a surge in new orders, growing at the fastest pace since June 2011, with nearly 45 percent of businesses reporting higher sales, driven by favorable economic conditions, rising infrastructure investments, and Vision 2030 diversification efforts. 

He said the rise in export orders complemented domestic demand, particularly from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reflecting effective marketing and competitive pricing strategies.  

The hiring trend remained positive, with employment levels rising for the ninth consecutive month. As businesses sought to keep up with increasing demand, many expanded their workforce, helping to reduce backlogs of work.  

“Employment trends underline this positive sentiment, as companies continued to expand their workforce to meet growing demand. Supply chain improvements, combined with higher purchasing activity, have bolstered operational efficiency and prepared businesses for sustained growth,” concluded Al-Ghaith. 

Despite the rapid expansion, the report noted that supply chain conditions improved, as delivery times shortened to their best levels in 10 months. Businesses also increased their stock levels, with inventory levels reaching their second-highest point in survey history. 

“These indicators highlight the progress being made toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as the economy diversifies and strengthens its non-oil foundations,” said Al-Ghaith. 

While the non-oil sector enjoyed significant growth, input costs continued to rise, driven by higher raw material prices and geopolitical uncertainties. 

Survey data indicated that inflation was at its second-highest level in nearly four-and-a-half years, prompting many businesses to pass on costs to consumers by raising their output prices at the fastest pace in a year.  

Despite inflationary pressures, businesses remain optimistic about the economic outlook for 2025, anticipating sustained growth driven by infrastructure investments, strong market conditions, and rising demand at home and abroad. 


US crude prices down nearly 2% as levies on China take effect

US crude prices down nearly 2% as levies on China take effect
Updated 04 February 2025
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US crude prices down nearly 2% as levies on China take effect

US crude prices down nearly 2% as levies on China take effect
  • US tariffs on China take effect
  • China counters with 10% tariffs on crude, coal and LNG
  • Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico, Canada for a month

TOKYPO/SINGAPORE: US crude prices fell by nearly 2 percent on Tuesday as US tariffs on China took effect, though President Donald Trump paused for a month a decision on steep levies on neighbors Canada and Mexico.

US West Texas Intermediate crude declined $1.32, or 1.8 percent, to trade at $71.84 per barrel, while Brent futures fell 87 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $75.09 by 9:17 a.m. Saudi time.

US tariffs of 10 percent on Chinese imports took effect at mid-day in Asian trade, spurring Beijing to retaliate with levies of 15 percent on US coal and liquefied natural gas and 10 percent on crude oil starting from Feb. 10.

“China’s counter-tariffs on the US may be perceived as a sign of escalation and may reduce the likelihood of a temporary resolution akin to US agreements with Mexico and Canada,” IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong said in an email.

“As such, broader risk sentiments pare some optimism amid the changing dynamics, with oil prices extending losses further.”

He added, “Market participants are back to price for potential downside risks to global growth in the event of further tit-for-tat measures from both the United States and China.”

China’s 2024 crude oil imports from the US make up 1.7 percent of its total imports of crude, customs data show.

“WTI flows to China will be impacted, as a 10 percent tariff ... will render WTI delivered to China very expensive against other alternative crude like Kazakhstan’s CPC and Abu Dhabi’s Murban,” Sparta Commodities’ senior analyst June Goh told Reuters.

“However, in the big scheme of things, this should not impact the price of WTI significantly as WTI can still flow to other regions easily,” she added on messaging app WhatsApp.

Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said they had agreed to bolster border enforcement efforts in response to Trump’s demand to crack down on immigration and drug smuggling.

That would pause for 30 days tariffs of 25 percent, with a 10 percent tariff on energy imports from Canada, that had been set to take effect on Tuesday.

On the demand side, investors will be looking out for weekly US oil stockpile data for the week to Jan. 31. Analysts polled by Reuters expected that crude inventories rose, while gasoline and distillate inventories probably fell. 


Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to boost cooperation in public sector auditing

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to boost cooperation in public sector auditing
Updated 03 February 2025
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to boost cooperation in public sector auditing

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to boost cooperation in public sector auditing
  • Development comes during a visit to Pakistan by a Saudi General Court of Audit delegation, led by Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari
  • Auditor General of Pakistan’s office says both sides agreed to collaborate on training programs, exchange of trainers to tackle audit challenges

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase collaboration in public sector auditing through enhanced cooperation between audit institutions of both countries as well as training programs and the exchange of trainers, a spokesperson for the Auditor-General of Pakistan’s office said on Monday.

The development comes during a four-day visit to Pakistan by a delegation of Saudi Arabia’s General Court of Audit, led by GCA President Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari, which arrived on Sunday.

The agreement was signed during AGP Muhammad Ajmal Gondal’s meeting with the Saudi delegates, aiming to strengthen audit cooperation, enhance knowledge-sharing, and improve governance, transparency and accountability in government spending.

Muhammad Raza Irfan, a public relations officer at the AGP’s office, told Arab News the agreement will not only strengthen professional relations between auditing institutions of both countries, but also further promote bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

“This collaboration marks a significant step toward fostering international cooperation in auditing,” AGP Gondal was quoted as saying in a statement issued from his office.

“The exchange of ideas and methodologies will undoubtedly strengthen our capacity to meet emerging challenges and set new benchmarks for public accountability.”

Discussions at Monday’s meeting focused on fostering closer ties between the Supreme Audit Institutions of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, sharing innovative audit methodologies, and planning collaborative initiatives for the future, according to the AGP office.

The two sides agreed to share best practices in audit standards, performance audits, and citizen participatory audits, and expand expertise in thematic, environmental and impact audits.

“It also agreed to collaborate on training programs, exchange trainers, address emerging auditing challenges and plan cooperative audits, including a performance audit on the oil and gas sector in 2025,” the statement read.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and excellence in public sector auditing.

Dr. Alangari praised Pakistan’s initiatives in modernizing audit practices and expressed his enthusiasm for future collaborations, according to the AGP office.

“The partnership between our two SAIs is a testament to the shared vision of accountability and transparency,” the GCA president was quoted as saying.

“We are eager to build upon this momentum and address challenges collectively, ensuring value addition to public sector auditing globally.”

The meeting underscored the importance of international collaboration to address emerging challenges and leverage innovative technologies in auditing.

“The Saudi side also announced the launch of the second phase of the Fund for Improved SAI Performance, which is scheduled for mid-February,” the statement said.

“The office of the AGP was also offered to apply for the second phase of FISP, which provides funds of up to $40,000.”

The GCA’s FISP initiative is aimed at providing funding to SAIs in developing countries to help them improve their performance and capacity in conducting audits and upholding accountability within their respective governments.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close regional partners and economic allies, and both countries signed 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion in October last year. The Kingdom is home to over 2 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.