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.



Motor Insurance Revenues in Saudi Arabia Grow by 38% in 2023

A car parking in Makkah. (SPA)
A car parking in Makkah. (SPA)
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Motor Insurance Revenues in Saudi Arabia Grow by 38% in 2023

A car parking in Makkah. (SPA)
A car parking in Makkah. (SPA)

In 2023, the vehicle insurance sector in Saudi Arabia generated approximately SAR 12 billion ($3.19 billion), accounting for 21 percent of the total insurance market revenue. This marks a significant 38 percent increase compared to 2022, according to an official at Standard & Poor’s International Credit Rating Agency.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Mario Shukr, a credit analyst at Standard & Poor’s, attributed this growth to several factors. Key among them were price adjustments for previously unprofitable business lines and a government-led campaign to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles in the Kingdom, which resulted in a surge in insurance premium income.

Additionally, Shukr pointed to an increased demand for vehicle insurance, including from leasing companies.

Shukr added that overall insurance market revenues are likely to grow by about 15 to 20 percent in 2024, with the vehicle insurance sector potentially exceeding this growth due to ongoing efforts to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles.

He noted that after two years of significant operating losses in 2021 and 2022, the vehicle insurance sector rebounded strongly in 2023 and is likely to continue performing well in 2024, thanks to appropriate pricing and robust growth.

However, he cautioned that one of the main challenges ahead is the possibility of increased competition in Saudi Arabia, which could drive vehicle insurance prices down again, potentially impacting operational performance in 2025.

Moreover, with rising costs at the regional and international levels, managing expenses could pose a challenge for insurers, he remarked.

In August 2023, the Saudi cabinet approved the establishment of the Insurance Authority, which aims to regulate the sector in the Kingdom in a way that supports and enhances its effectiveness and growth. The Authority also works to protect the rights of the insured and beneficiaries, contribute to financial stability, and establish the principles of the insurance contractual relationship.