The Saudi stock exchange closed 2018 trading amid anticipated gains of more than 8 percent compared to its level at the beginning of the year. Compared to other global markets, the Saudi market was among the top performers in 2018.
The Saudi stock market index is expected to close above 7,800 points at the end of 2018. The fiscal results of listed companies are anticipated to be better in 2018 than in 2017.
Meanwhile, firms will soon announce their financial results for the final quarter of 2018.
During the first nine months of 2018, the companies achieved profits of SR88.8 billion (USD23.7 billion).
The value of public and private investment funds increased 4 percent during the third quarter of 2018 compared to the previous one, with a total assets value of USD75.6 billion.
The investment fund includes a portfolio of securities selected based on specific criteria that meet the fund's objectives, according to the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA).
The profits of mutual funds are usually capital gains, meaning, profits that result following an improvement or change in the prices of invested securities, in addition to dividend profits, if any, for securities.
The increase in fund assets is due to a 9 percent increase in the value of private fund assets compared to Q2 2018 and reaching USD44.1 billion.
About 330,800 members subscribed to the public and private investment fund this year, up from 315,100 in Q2 2018. This increase coincided with a 5 percent increase in the number of public investment funds to reach about 326,900 subscribers.
