Saudi Stock Value Market Exceeds $2.13 Trillion

Investors monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) (Reuters)
Investors monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) (Reuters)
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Saudi Stock Value Market Exceeds $2.13 Trillion

Investors monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) (Reuters)
Investors monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) (Reuters)

The market value of Saudi stocks exceeded $2.13 trillion dollars driven by 200 points increase in the market index, as a jump in oil prices and positive corporate earnings from the banking sector boosted the stocks.

Saudi Aramco closed at 1.3 percent at 32.35 riyals above its initial public offering price of $8.6, for the first time in 70 days.

The shares of 138 listed companies closed positively on Monday and cash liquidity jumped to levels close to $1.36 billion registering a 27-percent increase compared to Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's index surged 1.4 percent, a 96-points increase, amid active trading compared to the previous sessions.

Meanwhile, about 80 Saudi companies listed in the local market announced their financial results for Q1 of 2020, with 44 companies recording an improvement in their performance, compared to 36 companies that have seen a decline.

The remaining 100 companies are expected to announce their financial results soon, which will affect their shares during the announcement period.

Oil prices climbed on Monday, supported by output cuts and signs of gradual demand recovery amid easing coronavirus curbs and resumption of economic activity.

The booming oil markets also influenced the Saudi stock, as Brent crude jumped 6.1 percent at $34.49 a barrel, while Nimex had a 9 percent increase, exceeding $32 a barrel.

Notably, Saudi index is approaching the 7000-point barrier as traders hope that the market index will exceed this barrier before closing for Eid el-Fitr, backed by the oil prices, given that they improve or maintain the same current levels.



Putin, Al-Sudani Discuss OPEC+ Coordination on Oil Price Stability

Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin
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Putin, Al-Sudani Discuss OPEC+ Coordination on Oil Price Stability

Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Thursday discussed the importance of coordination between OPEC and OPEC+ members on oil price stability in a manner that guarantees fair prices for exporters and consumers.

Putin held a phone call with al-Sudani during which they discussed the OPEC+ oil agreement and the situation in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.

The telephone conversation came days prior to an OPEC+ key meeting expected early next month.

Reuters said that OPEC+ may push back output increases again when it meets on Dec. 1 due to weak global oil demand, according to three OPEC+ sources familiar with the discussions. Ministers last shelved the increase for a month when they met virtually on Nov. 3.

In a statement, the Kremlin on Thursday said Putin and Al-Sudani touched upon various aspects of coordination as part of OPEC+, a format that helps maintain stability in the global oil market, and reaffirmed the importance of continuing to coordinate steps in this format.

The Middle East issues were also mentioned in light of the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the region, it added.

The parties also agreed on further contacts at various levels, the statement said.

Later, Al-Sudani’s office said the phone call touched on energy-related matters, highlighting the importance of coordination among all concerned countries within OPEC and the OPEC+ group to stabilize oil and gas prices, ensuring fair pricing for both producers and consumers.