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.



Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
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Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo

The Spanish government has given the green light to Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator, STC Group, to raise its stake in Telefonica beyond 5% and reach 9.97%, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Thursday.

Cuerpo confirmed an earlier report by El Pais newspaper during a news conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting in which the stake increase was approved, Reuters reported.

"Measures and conditions have been set and accepted voluntarily by the Saudi company to ensure that (the operation) takes place," Cuerpo told reporters.

He said the government's decision followed an "exhaustive analysis based not only on compliance with current legislation but also to guarantee the national interest in defense and ensure the strategic element in telecommunications".

Last year, STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder.

The Saudi group said at the time it owned a 4.9% stake in Telefonica and financial instruments giving it another 5% in what it called economic exposure to the company.

The Spanish government had to authorize the deal as Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company.

The Saudi company has said it does not intend to gain control of or a majority stake in Telefonica.