Saudi Stock Exchange Gains Jump 17.5% Since Beginning of 2019

Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters
Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters
TT

Saudi Stock Exchange Gains Jump 17.5% Since Beginning of 2019

Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters
Faisal Al Nasser / Reuters

Saudi stock exchange gains jumped 17.5 percent since the beginning of the year, making it one of the world's most profitable stock markets in the first months of 2019.

In this regard, foreign investors continued to purchase in the Saudi stock market, as the latest statistics from the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) revealed that the foreign investors' share rose to 5.48% and that net foreign investors' liquidity reached 7.8% in favor of orders (purchase).

This new rise in foreign investment towards the Saudi stocks market represents an important indication of the high reliability of the country's financial market and reflects confidence in the strength and vitality of the Saudi economy.

In this context, the Saudi exchange index closed this week at a rise of around 109 points, at a level of 9,197 points compared to 9,088 points. It continued to rise for the sixth week in a row. Trading value witnessed a remarkable growth of SAR16.73 billion (USD4.46 billion) compared to around SAR15.53 billion (USD4.14 billion) in the past week.

The report by Tadawul, issued on Sunday, showed the rise of Gulf investors possession in the Saudi shares market to 2.04 percent.

In 2018, the Saudi listed companies recorded positive growth in profits up to SAR105.3 billion (USD28.08 billion).

Inclusion of Saudi Arabia into the S&P Dow Jones Emerging Market and FTSE Russell indices was an acknowledgment of the investors' continuous confidence in the market, which reflects the success of reforms and enhancements accomplished in tandem with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program.



Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
TT

Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters

The credit rating agency “Moody’s Ratings” upgraded Saudi Arabia’s credit rating to “Aa3” in local and foreign currency, with a “stable” outlook.
The agency indicated in its report that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification and the robust growth of its non-oil sector. Over time, the advancements are expected to reduce Saudi Arabia’s exposure to oil market developments and long-term carbon transition on its economy and public finances.
The agency commended the Kingdom's financial planning within the fiscal space, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing expenditure and enhancing the spending efficiency. Additionally, the government’s ongoing efforts to utilize available fiscal resources to diversify the economic base through transformative spending were highlighted as instrumental in supporting the sustainable development of the Kingdom's non-oil economy and maintaining a strong fiscal position.
In its report, the agency noted that the planning and commitment underpin its projection of a relatively stable fiscal deficit, which could range between 2%-3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Moody's expected that the non-oil private-sector GDP of Saudi Arabia will expand by 4-5% in the coming years, positioning it among the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, an indication of continued progress in the diversification efforts reducing the Kingdom’s exposure to oil market developments.
In recent years, the Kingdom achieved multiple credit rating upgrades from global rating agencies. These advancements reflect the Kingdom's ongoing efforts toward economic transformation, supported by structural reforms and the adoption of fiscal policies that promote financial sustainability, enhance financial planning efficiency, and reinforce the Kingdom's strong and resilient fiscal position.