Saudi Index Record a 158-Point Increase

Investors talk as they monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Reuters)
Investors talk as they monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Reuters)
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Saudi Index Record a 158-Point Increase

Investors talk as they monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Reuters)
Investors talk as they monitor a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Reuters)

The Saudi index recorded an increase of 158-point last week, a 2.24 percent, driven by the positive atmosphere and general optimism after authorities resumed economic activities in the Kingdom and eased measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Over the past two days, the Saudi stock succeeded in reducing the severity of inflation of some indices, as the market recorded strong gains during eight consecutive trading sessions.

This indicates that it is possible for the operations to gain profit which will, in turn, drive the index upwards targeting levels beyond last Sunday's record.

The Saudi index closed this week’s tradings on levels above 7200 points, supported by strong gains achieved on Sunday and Monday.

Saudi stocks will start Sunday the week’s trading amid expectations that the index will maintain a level above 7129 points.

Meanwhile, the period for the listed companies to announce their financial results ends on June 22, as the performance of listed companies varied. About 90 companies are expected to announce their financial results soon, which will affect the general performance of the market index.

Until now, 108 companies have announced their financial results for Q1 of 2020, which saw an improvement in the financial performance of 57 companies.

Meanwhile, oil prices did not affect the Saudi market during the past few days. Brent crude recorded levels of $40 a barrel for the first time in three months, however, the Saudi index fell by about 70 to 80 points.

Saudi stock continued its positive performance despite the oil price crisis, which will soon end. However, the effect of OPEC and OPEC+ meetings remains a stimulus that will benefit the market especially with the agreement to extend oil production cuts.

OPEC, Russia, and allies agreed on Saturday to extend oil production cuts until the end of July, prolonging a deal that has helped crude prices double in the past two months by withdrawing almost 10 percent of global supplies from the market.



Egypt Strengthens African Ties with Senegal in Maritime Transport Cooperation

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)
Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)
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Egypt Strengthens African Ties with Senegal in Maritime Transport Cooperation

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)
Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)

Egypt is intensifying its efforts to strengthen ties with African nations, with the latest development being a cooperation agreement with Senegal in maritime transport, including a new shipping route between Alexandria and Dakar.

Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport, said that there are many projects planned to improve connections with African countries.

He added that Egypt is fully ready to work with Senegal in all sectors, including transportation—land, sea, rail, dry ports, and logistics.

Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Senegal during talks between El-Wazir and Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports, Fatou Diouf, in Cairo on Friday.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, ports, and maritime transport.

El-Wazir highlighted President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s call for greater cooperation with African countries and noted that Egypt has many specialized companies ready to help develop and manage ports in Senegal.

The minister also welcomed the proposed shipping route between Alexandria and Dakar, offering to train Senegalese port workers in maritime transport and provide training in railways, subways, electric trains, and land transport.

He also mentioned potential collaboration in dry port development.

Earlier this week, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Senegalese counterpart in Cairo.

They discussed the situation in the Sahel, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa, as well as Egypt’s water security. Both ministers also explored ways to boost African cooperation and regional integration.