Public Investment Funds Assets in Saudi Arabia Rise by 37%

The headquarters of the Saudi Capital Market Authority in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The headquarters of the Saudi Capital Market Authority in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Public Investment Funds Assets in Saudi Arabia Rise by 37%

The headquarters of the Saudi Capital Market Authority in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The headquarters of the Saudi Capital Market Authority in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

The value of public investment fund assets—both domestic and foreign—in the Saudi financial market recorded an annual growth of 37%, increasing by nearly SAR43 billion ($11.6 billion) by the end of the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, bringing the total to SAR160.087 billion ($43.22 billion), compared to SAR117.117 billion ($31.62 billion) during the same period in 2023.

Quarterly, the asset value grew by 10.4%, representing an estimated increase of SAR15.120 billion ($405 million), compared to SAR144.967 billion ($38.6 billion) at the end of the second quarter (Q2) of this year, according to data from the quarterly statistical bulletin of the Capital Market Authority for 2024.

The number of subscribers recorded a 51% increase, representing nearly 528,000 subscribers, to reach 1,570,452 subscribers, compared to 1,042,484 at the end of the same period last year.

This growth was supported by an increase in domestic investment assets, which grew annually by 42%, at SAR39.598 billion, bringing the total to approximately SAR134.431 billion. These assets represent 84% of the total asset value.

Meanwhile, foreign investment assets recorded an annual growth of 15.1%, increasing by over SAR3 billion to reach SAR25.656 billion, which accounts for 16% of the total asset value.
The number of public investment funds grew annually by 10%, with an increase of 27 funds, bringing the total to 310 funds.
Public investment fund assets were distributed across 14 investment types, with the highest value being the money market fund assets, valued at SAR44.868 billion and representing 28% of total assets. Equity fund assets ranked second in value at SAR34.767 billion, accounting for 27.3% of total assets. Real estate investment fund assets were third, reaching SAR29.263 billion and representing 18.3% of total assets. Debt instrument fund assets were fourth, valued at SAR22.236 billion, making up 14% of total assets.



Gold Hits Three-week Peak on Softer Dollar and Safe Haven Inflows

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Hits Three-week Peak on Softer Dollar and Safe Haven Inflows

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices touched their highest level in three weeks on Friday supported by a softer dollar and safe-haven buying, while markets braced for potential economic and interest rate changes from US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed policies.

Spot gold was little changed at $2,658.11 per ounce, as of 1115 GMT, hitting its highest level since Dec. 13. Bullion is up about 1.5% for the week so far.

US gold futures were steady at $2,672.20.

The dollar index fell 0.3% from over a two-year high hit in the previous session, making dollar-priced bullion more affordable for holders of other currencies, Reuters reported.

"Gold bulls are setting the tone early doors this year, enjoying the lift from safe haven bids while riskier equities struggle to hold on to nascent gains," said Exinity Group Chief Market Analyst Han Tan.

On the geopolitical front, in Gaza Israeli airstrikes killed at least 68 Palestinians, Gaza authorities said. While, Russia launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Wednesday, city officials said.

Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 has heightened uncertainty, with his proposed tariffs and protectionist policies expected by many economists to be inflationary and potentially spark trade wars.

"Markets are aware that Trump's policies risk reawakening US inflationary impulses, which should be a boon for gold so long as markets adhere to the precious metal’s role as an inflation hedge," Tan added.

Bullion, which is considered a hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainties, tends to thrive in lower interest rate environment.

After delivering three consecutive interest rate cuts in 2024, the US central bank now projects only two reductions in 2025 due to due to stubbornly high inflation.

Spot silver rose 0.6% to $29.75 per ounce.

"Lower real US yields and stronger global industrial production should favor the metal in 2025," UBS said in a note, adding that they see silver to trade between $36-38/oz in 2025.

Platinum added 0.8% to $930.09, and palladium gained 1.2% to $922.58. Both metals were on track for weekly gains.