Saudi cement sector remains at top

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index (TASI) dug in at 7,166.93 and ended its yesterday’s trading up over 0.37 percent.
The index traded within a range of 30.6 points, adding 26.10 points for the entire day.
On an YTD basis, TASI registered a positive return of 365.71 points or 5.38 percent.
All market cap indices ended the day in the safe area.
Most of the sector indices showed modest gains, accumulating an aggregate of 355 points.
One of the best performing sectors was Cement which rose over 2 percent, closing the day at 6,709.43.
City Cement and Najran Cement were key gainers in this sector, marching higher by 5.22 percent and 5.09 percent respectively.
On the other hand, six sectors could not manage for gains, shedding 186 points jointly.
Hotel & Tourism sector remained the worst performer, declining more than one percent and trimming back 12,000-mark.
Al-Rajhi Bank and Samba Financial Group played well among big players, advancing 0.76 percent and 0.66 percent respectively.
Advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by a margin of 74 to 58 and the prices of 24 companies remained unchanged.
Saudi Industrial Export outperformed among all Saudi equities, surging 7.7 percent to close the day at SR 59.75.
Saudi United Cooperative Insurance was another significant gainer, moving up by 5.64 percent.
Market activity remained roughly 15 percent greater than previous level.
More than 247.3 million shares worth SR6.3 billion changed hands on the Saudi stock market.
Alinma Bank appeared to be the most active stock of the day, liquidating 39.4 million shares, which equates 15.9 percent of overall market volume.
The value of these shares totaled SR 525.2 million, a relative market share of 8.4 percent.
Only Alinma witnessed a positive change among most active stocks, increasing by 1.52 percent and closing at SR13.35.