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)
TT
20

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.



Saudi Energy Minister: OPEC+ Now Key Stabilizer of Oil Prices

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Speaks at St. Petersburg Economic Forum – (X)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Speaks at St. Petersburg Economic Forum – (X)
TT
20

Saudi Energy Minister: OPEC+ Now Key Stabilizer of Oil Prices

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Speaks at St. Petersburg Economic Forum – (X)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Speaks at St. Petersburg Economic Forum – (X)

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Thursday that the OPEC+ alliance has become a key stabilizing force for oil prices and the broader energy market, describing the group as a reliable and adaptive coalition that responds only to market realities.

 

Speaking at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, Prince Abdulaziz stressed that OPEC+ is flexible and reacts only to facts, not speculation.

 

“We are a credible alliance that adapts as circumstances evolve,” he told a session that also featured Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

 

The minister’s remarks came on the opening day of the forum, which began with a welcome address by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 

Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to “sovereign development and respect for cultural and civilizational identity,” particularly within partnerships such as BRICS. He said Moscow remains committed to building a “fair and mutually beneficial international system of cooperation free from discrimination, coercion and sanctions pressure.”

 

During the joint session, Prince Abdulaziz said: “As you know, we are not the only two countries managing OPEC+. The alliance consists of 22 countries, including a core group of eight. It is our duty to maintain communication with all members and ensure joint decisions are made in response to market developments.”

 

He warned against unilateral declarations on behalf of the group, saying: “No one has the right to speak on behalf of the alliance without knowing the collective stance.”

 

Since its formation, OPEC+ has resolved “many challenges,” he added.

 

The eight core members of the OPEC+ alliance are Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman. These countries are scheduled to meet on July 6 to decide whether to begin increasing production in August.

 

At the end of May, OPEC announced that the eight nations had agreed to boost oil output by 441,000 barrels per day in July, citing improving global economic conditions and strong market fundamentals.

 

When asked whether Saudi Arabia and Russia would step in to offset any potential shortfall in Iranian oil, Prince Abdulaziz said: “We only respond to facts.” He reiterated that OPEC+ remains a reliable and effective alliance, closely monitoring market developments.

 

The minister also highlighted efforts by Riyadh and Moscow to create a favorable investment climate in both countries through various joint projects, noting the importance of fostering such conditions amid current global uncertainties.

 

Novak, for his part, underscored the need for oil market stability. “OPEC+ must implement its plans calmly and avoid creating panic in the market,” he said, cautioning against overreactions at a time when oil prices have surged due to tensions between Iran and Israel.