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.



Kuwait Seeks to Offer Flexible Incentives to Attract Foreign Investments

Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
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Kuwait Seeks to Offer Flexible Incentives to Attract Foreign Investments

Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)
Kuwait City (Asharq Al-Awsat file photo)

Mohammad Yaqoub, Assistant Director General for Business Development at Kuwait’s Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), announced that Kuwait is actively working to boost investments in emerging sectors such as the management of government facilities, hospitals, and ports, including Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.

He added that his country is collaborating with Saudi Arabia on joint projects, notably the development of a railway linking the two nations.

Speaking at the 28th Annual Global Investment Conference in Riyadh, Yaqoub highlighted the 650-kilometer railway project, which is expected to cut travel time between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to under three hours. He clarified that this initiative is separate from the broader GCC railway network under development.

The official further emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to offering streamlined processes and incentives to attract foreign investment in critical sectors such as oil and gas, healthcare, education, and technology.

Since January 2015, the Gulf country has attracted cumulative foreign investments valued at approximately 1.7 billion Kuwaiti dinars ($5.8 billion). During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, KDIPA reported foreign investment inflows amounting to 206.9 million Kuwaiti dinars ($672 million).

Yaqoub stressed that KDIPA is focused on creating an investor-friendly environment by offering flexible incentives to attract international companies. He noted Saudi Arabia’s achievements in this area and highlighted his country’s efforts to provide comparable benefits to foreign investors.

He also expressed optimism about the potential for growth in foreign investments in Kuwait, emphasizing their role in advancing economic development in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yaqoub also underscored the strong synergy between the Kuwaiti and Saudi markets, which he said will help accelerate economic progress across the region.