Saudi Market Reclaims 12,000-Point Level

The Saudi benchmark index ended Monday’s session, closing at 12,023 points, 42 points higher than the previous day’s close, with total trading valued at about $2.13bln
The Saudi benchmark index ended Monday’s session, closing at 12,023 points, 42 points higher than the previous day’s close, with total trading valued at about $2.13bln
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Saudi Market Reclaims 12,000-Point Level

The Saudi benchmark index ended Monday’s session, closing at 12,023 points, 42 points higher than the previous day’s close, with total trading valued at about $2.13bln
The Saudi benchmark index ended Monday’s session, closing at 12,023 points, 42 points higher than the previous day’s close, with total trading valued at about $2.13bln

The Saudi stock market index has risen above the 12,000-point level, thanks to strong earnings from listed companies and global market declines. Analysts believe the index will keep climbing in the coming sessions.
On Monday, the market closed up 0.4% at 12,023 points, with trading volume around SAR 8 billion.
This is the fifth consecutive day of gains, driven by broad sector increases. Total trading was 346 million shares, with 142 companies seeing price increases and 81 companies experiencing declines.
Leading gainers included Buruj Insurance, Red Sea, Al-Bahah, and Saudi Re.
Financial analyst Mohamed Al-Saghir told Asharq Al-Awsat that the 12,000-point level is a key psychological milestone for investors.
He pointed out that the crucial level to watch is 11,954 points, which is a previous peak and support zone. The market’s stability at this level is important for avoiding recent downturns.
Al-Saghir also noted that the strong financial results from companies this year have been surprising and helped the market bounce back to 12,000 points.
He expects the index to reach new highs, potentially exceeding 13,949 points, reflecting overall economic growth in Saudi Arabia.
Also speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, analyst Obaid Al-Muqati attributed the market’s rise to declines in global markets, including the Nikkei 225 and US indices, which led investors to turn to Saudi stocks.
He also pointed out that strong earnings across sectors, including a dividend from Saudi Aramco and high profitability in banking, are boosting the market.
Al-Muqati expects the market to continue rising, drawing investor interest amid Saudi Arabia’s economic development and Vision 2030 goals.



Gold Steady as Firm Dollar Offsets Safe-haven Demand

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
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Gold Steady as Firm Dollar Offsets Safe-haven Demand

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold steadied on Monday as a stronger US dollar countered safe-haven demand amid trade war concerns, while investors looked to inflation data this week for clues on the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision.
Spot gold was at $2,913.09 an ounce at 0946 GMT, while US gold futures firmed 0.2% to $2,920.10.
The dollar index held above last week's four-month low, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, Reuters said.
Quantitative Commodity Research analyst Peter Fertig said a rise in the dollar is weighing on bullion and he expects a further correction to below $2,900.
Meanwhile, market focus remains on trade tensions. In his latest warning to Canada, US President Donald Trump said on Friday that reciprocal tariffs on dairy and lumber could be imminent.
Gold's success in holding above $2,900 reflects concerns about the wider economic picture and an ongoing heightened geopolitical risk environment, Frank Watson, market analyst at Kinesis Money, said in a note.
Traders are looking to US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on Wednesday and the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday for US interest rate cues.
The Fed has held interest rates so far this year after cutting three times in 2024. Market pricing reflects expectations of a further cut in June.
Bullion is seen as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty but higher rates can dent the non-yielding asset's appeal.
Data showed top metals consumer China's consumer price index missed expectations in February and fell at the sharpest pace in 13 months, while producer price deflation persisted.
Spot silver edged up 0.2% to $32.59 an ounce, platinum rose 1% to $973 and palladium was up 0.5% at $952.68.