Arab Financial Markets Await Developments After Regional Escalation

Arab financial markets have been experiencing significant ups and downs due to geopolitical tensions and economic factors.  (Reuters)
Arab financial markets have been experiencing significant ups and downs due to geopolitical tensions and economic factors. (Reuters)
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Arab Financial Markets Await Developments After Regional Escalation

Arab financial markets have been experiencing significant ups and downs due to geopolitical tensions and economic factors.  (Reuters)
Arab financial markets have been experiencing significant ups and downs due to geopolitical tensions and economic factors. (Reuters)

Arab financial markets have been experiencing significant ups and downs due to geopolitical tensions and economic factors.

Investors are closely watching developments following the Israeli-Iranian escalation to gauge its impact on investments.

Mohammed Al-Farraj from “Arbah Capital” believes these fluctuations will continue for a while as investors assess how military tensions between Iran and Israel affect the global economy.

“These fluctuations are expected to persist in the coming days. Investors are carefully evaluating the impact of geopolitical factors, such as ongoing military tensions between Iran and Israel, on the global economy,” Al-Farraj told Asharq Al-Awsat.

However, he thinks the instability is temporary and markets will stabilize in the long run.

“With continued rise in interest rates and inflation, the likelihood of temporary market corrections increases, possibly leading to declines in stock prices,” said Al-Farraj.

Moreover, he sees opportunities for investors to buy stocks at lower prices during these fluctuations and benefit from long-term growth.

“These corrections present excellent investment opportunities for investors with long-term vision, allowing them to buy stocks at discounted prices and benefit from their long-term growth,” explained Al-Farraj.

Despite worries, certain sectors like energy, healthcare, technology, education, mining, insurance, and banking offer promising investment prospects.

After the Eid holiday, Arab markets reopened with fluctuations. Most closed lower, except for Muscat and Amman.

In Saudi Arabia, the main stock index, TASI, concluded its first session after the Eid holiday down by 38.52 points, or 0.30%, at 12666.90 points, with a liquidity of 6 billion riyals ($1.6 billion), influenced by declines in the banking and basic materials sectors.

Kuwait and Qatar also saw declines, while Jordan’s market closed higher. Muscat’s market ended slightly up.

Overall, market movements reflected the uncertainties surrounding the regional tensions.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.