Saudi banking sector dominating TASI trading, latest report reveals

Saudi banking sector dominating TASI trading, latest report reveals
Saudis – primarily government entities – held 95.12 percent ownership in the main stock market for the third quarter of 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 02 February 2025
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Saudi banking sector dominating TASI trading, latest report reveals

Saudi banking sector dominating TASI trading, latest report reveals

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s banking sector led trading on the Kingdom’s stock exchange in 2024’s fourth quarter with a 17 percent market share, according to Tadawul’s latest report.

The industry was responsible for approximately SR66.42 billion ($17.7 billion) of transactions, ahead of the materials sector with SR45.04 billion, comprising 11.45 percent of the market.

The energy sector had 10.58 percent share in this period, with value traded reaching SR41.58 billion.

The banking sector also dominated the market for the entire year 2024, leading in share trading value with SR265.57 billion, according to Tadawul, accounting for 14.26 percent of the total traded value.

It was followed by the materials sector, which recorded SR249.32 billion, representing 13.39 percent, and the energy sector with SR225.27 billion, contributing 12.10 percent to the total traded value for the year.

These three sectors collectively represent a substantial 62.8 percent weight of the index. This concentration highlights the central role of banking, energy, and materials in shaping the performance of Tadawul, driven by the ongoing economic diversification under Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s efforts to reduce its reliance on oil revenues.

Even though the energy sector claims the highest market capitalization, primarily influenced by Aramco with a substantial SR6.78 trillion market cap, it does not command the highest weight. This is due to the capped indices calculation methodology, with the banking sector surpassing it in terms of weight.

This methodology is used to prevent any single security from having a dominating influence on an index, and it is part of the Financial Sector Development Program’s key initiative under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to enhance the exchange’s product offering.

By balancing sector weights, Tadawul aims to create a more diversified and resilient market structure, reflecting the broader goals of economic transformation and investment appeal.

Saudi Aramco, the largest player in the industry on the market, recorded the highest activity at SR31.4 billion during the fourth quarter. 

The company’s majority of trades, or 47.15 percent, occurred in November according to data from Bloomberg, coinciding with Aramco announcing its profits and dividends payout for the quarter ending in September. 

The energy firm closed the fourth quarter with a 3.51 percent quarter-to-date increase in price at SR28.05 per share.

Al Rajhi came second in highest trades by value, totaling SR27.02 billion. The stock closed with a quarter-to-date rise of 8.49 percent at SR94.6 per share. 

The company’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024 showed SR5.1 billion profit, a 22.82 percent rise compared to the same period of the preceding year.

The Saudi telecom company STC, followed with value traded of SR13.62 billion however the stock price showed a 8.47 percent decline in the quarter-to-date at SR40 per share. The company had reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024 with profit of SR4.64 billion — an annual decline of 5.32 percent.

The stock with the highest trading volume and the largest price appreciation in the fourth quarter was Al Baha Investment and Development Co. On December 19, the company’s shareholders approved a 26.5 percent reduction in capital, lowering it from SR297 million to SR218.3 million.

Following this reduction, Al Baha announced that it had fully offset its accumulated losses, reducing them to zero percent of its capital. This achievement highlights the company’s efforts to improve its financial position. 

For the fourth quarter, the company saw a 56.67 percent quarter-to-date increase, with a closing price of SR0.47 per share.

Banking sector growth drivers

Saudi Arabia’s banking sector’s dominance reflects its critical role in driving the Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030.

This performance is closely tied to robust corporate lending, fueled by the ongoing implementation of mega-projects across construction, tourism, and infrastructure.

With corporate credit growth projected at 10 percent annually in 2025 according to a report by S&P Global, banks have been instrumental in financing the ambitious pipeline of Vision 2030 initiatives, particularly as the government pivots from oil dependency to diversifying its economy.

Declining interest rates have further supported lending growth, particularly in residential mortgages, which benefit from expanding demographics and rising urbanization.

The mortgage sector’s steady expansion, aided by accommodative monetary policy and population growth, has complemented the surge in corporate loans, creating a dual engine for credit growth according to S&P Global.

In parallel, Saudi banks’ capital adequacy ratio of 19.2 percent at the end of September highlights their strong capitalization, ensuring sufficient capacity to meet the growing financing needs tied to Vision 2030.

According to the agency’s report, profitability in the sector remains stable despite declining net interest margins, with return on assets expected to hover between 2.2 percent and 2.1 percent, supported by increased loan volumes.

While corporate lending comprises nearly 50 percent of total loans, floating interest rates have allowed banks to quickly adjust to monetary changes, partially offsetting margin pressures, they added.

Additionally, international capital market issuances are increasingly being utilized to fund growth, reflecting the sector’s strategic alignment with the government’s long-term objectives.

This banking sector performance also mirrors broader regional trends in the GCC, where economic diversification, high oil revenues, and infrastructure investments have driven financial market activity.

As Saudi Arabia continues to implement Vision 2030 projects and attract foreign direct investment, its banking sector is expected to remain a key enabler of economic transformation, maintaining its leadership on Tadawul and within the GCC’s financial ecosystem.

Foreign ownership in Saudi equity market

According to the latest report by the Capital Market Authority for the third quarter of 2024, Saudis — primarily government entities — held 95.12 percent ownership in the main stock market.

GCC investors accounted for 0.76 percent, while foreign ownership rose to 4.11 percent, up from 3.2 percent during the same period last year.

In terms of trading activity, foreign investors contributed significantly, accounting for 25.23 percent of the total buy value on the main stock market, equivalent to SR112.48 billion. 

On the sell side, they traded SR117.42 billion, representing 26.34 percent of the total sell value. This resulted in net purchases by foreign investors amounting to SR4.97 billion for the quarter.

In a recent development, Saudi Arabia announced on Jan. 27, 2025, that it will permit foreign investment in publicly listed companies owning real estate in the sacred cities of Makkah and Medina.

This move is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to attract more foreign capital and boost liquidity for projects related to Islamic pilgrimage. These investments will be limited to shares and convertible debt instruments, with a cap of 49 percent ownership by non-Saudi nationals.

The Capital Market Authority aims to boost investment, enhance the efficiency and appeal of the Saudi capital market, and strengthen its global competitiveness while supporting the domestic economy.

Part of this effort involves attracting foreign capital and ensuring sufficient liquidity to fund current and future development projects in Makkah and Madinah, solidifying the market as a vital source of financing for these initiatives.

In recent years, the Kingdom has introduced significant reforms, including an updated investment law to create a level playing field for local and foreign investors and eased restrictions on foreign ownership in the stock market, further cementing its position as a global investment hub.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,970 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,970 
Updated 26 March 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,970 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,970 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Wednesday, gaining 263.98 points, or 2.26 percent, to close at 11,970.19. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.18 billion ($1.65 billion), as 239 stocks advanced, while 14 retreated.    

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 6.13 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 1,490.20. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, also rose, gaining 374.70 points, or 1.22 percent, to close at 30,988.44. This comes as 56 stocks advanced, while 27 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. with its share price surging by 14.19 percent to SR23.98. 

Other top performers included Allied Cooperative Insurance Group, which saw its share price rise by 9.13 percent to SR13.86, and Nama Chemicals Co., which saw a 8.98 percent increase to SR30.95. 

Gulf General Cooperative Insurance Co. saw the biggest decline of the day, with its share price slipping 2.60 percent to SR9. 

The Co. for Cooperative Insurance at SR139, down 1.56 percent, and Astra Industrial Group at SR151, down 1.31 percent, both saw declines. 

On the announcement front, Rawasi Albina Investment Co. reported its 2024 financial results, posting net profits of SR7.4 million, a 68.4 percent drop from the previous year. In a statement on Tadawul, the company attributed the decline to a reduced gross profit margin. 

Saudi Fisheries Co. reported a net loss of SR40.9 million for 2024, an improvement from SR119.9 million the previous year, reflecting a 65.8 percent reduction. SFICO attributed the reduction to lower farm-related expenses for shrimp and fish production, a decline in operating costs amid reduced business activity, and a 27 percent drop in SG&A expenses.  

Additionally, the reversal of a SR7.6 million impairment for non-financial assets contributed to the improvement, the firm said in a Tadawul statement. 

However, the net margin remained negative due to fixed farm costs incurred after harvesting, increased consultancy expenses related to capital restructuring, and the recognition of SR8.98 million in provisions for inventory, supplier advances, and trade receivables. 

The firm’s shares traded 2.41 percent higher on the main market to close at SR102. 

Eastern Province Cement Co. also announced its annual financial results for last year. The company’s net profit surged to SR248 million from SR196 million in the previous year. 

In a statement, the company said that the increase was driven by higher cement sales in both quantity and value, along with a rise in precast sales.  

Additionally, reduced losses from the share in an associate company’s results, lower other expenses, realized gains from the sale of investments at fair value through profit or loss, and a decrease in zakat expenses contributed to the overall improvement. 

The firm’s shares traded 4.26 percent higher on the main market to close at SR35.50. 


Egypt’s economy expands 4.3% in second quarter, says minister

Egypt’s economy expands 4.3% in second quarter, says minister
Updated 26 March 2025
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Egypt’s economy expands 4.3% in second quarter, says minister

Egypt’s economy expands 4.3% in second quarter, says minister

RIYADH: Egypt’s economy grew 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2024-25, accelerating from 2.3 percent a year earlier, driven by structural reforms and rising private sector investment, Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat said. 

The improved performance reflects the government’s fiscal and monetary adjustments alongside a reduction in public investment, which Al-Mashat said has helped stabilize the economy and drive growth. 

The minister previously forecast 4 percent growth for the full fiscal year, highlighting Egypt’s focus on improving its investment climate and securing $4.2 billion in macroeconomic support from global partners.   

In a statement posted on the government’s official Facebook page, she said: “This is driven by structural reforms aimed at diversifying sources of growth and increasing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, which was evident in the strong performance of productive sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and communications.” 

Al-Mashat added that the government is working to shift toward tradable sectors like manufacturing to create a more diversified and sustainable economy, strengthening Egypt’s ability to navigate global economic challenges. 

She also highlighted the positive outlook for gross domestic product growth, supported by ongoing structural reforms and economic diversification. 

Non-oil manufacturing led economic growth, expanding by 17.74 percent — a sharp turnaround from an 11.56 percent contraction in the same period last year — driven by increased production and faster customs clearance.  

The tourism sector maintained its strong performance with an 18 percent surge, while private investment rose, making up more than half of total investments. Public investment, however, declined by 25.7 percent.  

The Information and Communications Technology sector grew by 10.4 percent, supported by digital infrastructure expansion and rising demand for services. 

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting Suez Canal activity and a slowdown in the extraction sector, Al-Mashat underscored that economic reforms remain key to building a more competitive, sustainable economy and bolstering investor confidence.  

She noted that net exports turned positive in the second quarter, driven by growth in commodity and service exports. 

In January, Al-Mashat reiterated the government’s focus on disciplined investment management, stating that the public investment budget for the year is capped at 1 trillion Egyptian pounds ($19.78 billion), prioritizing projects that are at least 70 percent complete. 

Between 2020 and 2024, Egypt’s private sector secured $14.5 billion in concessional development financing from global partners. For the first time, private sector access to international soft financing surpassed that of the government in 2024, Al-Mashat noted at that time. 

She also revealed that negotiations are ongoing with the EU and other international partners for a second phase of macroeconomic support, including €4 billion ($4.10 billion) in budget aid and €1.8 billion in investment guarantees. 


CMA proposes easing investor criteria for Nomu to boost participation, liquidity

CMA proposes easing investor criteria for Nomu to boost participation, liquidity
Updated 26 March 2025
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CMA proposes easing investor criteria for Nomu to boost participation, liquidity

CMA proposes easing investor criteria for Nomu to boost participation, liquidity

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority has proposed easing investor criteria for Nomu, the Kingdom’s parallel market, aiming to expand participation and improve liquidity.

The proposed amendments suggest reducing the minimum transaction requirement for individual investors from SR40 million ($8 million) to SR30 million over a 12-month period.

Additionally, the requirement for quarterly trading activity would be eliminated. Under the new regulations, board and committee members of companies listed on Nomu would also be eligible to qualify as investors.

The project aims to reserve the term “Qualified Investor in the Parallel Market” for eligible categories, amend the minimum transaction value required for classifying a natural person as a qualified investor, and rank board members and committee members of listed companies as suitable to invest.

Saudi Arabia accounted for 31 percent of the region’s total initial public offering proceeds in 2024, making it the second-largest contributor after the UAE. The Saudi Exchange, Tadawul, witnessed 14 IPOs on its main market, collectively raising $3.8 billion. Nomu also saw 28 IPOs, generating $297 million.

The CMA called upon relevant and interested persons participating in the capital market to share their feedback on the draft for 30 days, ending on April 28.

Earlier in March, the CMA called for feedback on the draft “Regulatory Framework for Debt Instruments Offering Platforms and Investing in Them,” which aims to develop debt instrument offerings by licensed capital market institutions for securities crowdfunding.

With the consultation period to end on April 23, the draft outlines regulatory and licensing requirements for offering and investing in debt instruments, aligning with developments in the capital market.

Key proposals include allowing organizations to present debt instruments in the sukuk and debt market and enabling companies with a FinTech Experimental Permit to obtain the necessary license to operate as capital market institutions.

Organizations will need an arranging license to offer debt instruments through crowdfunding platforms. The draft also introduces requirements for safeguarding client funds and registrable functions for licensed establishments.

The proposal aims to expand the role of capital market institutions in financial technology, enhance the debt market, and increase participation in securities crowdfunding, supporting the CMA’s objectives.


Jewelry spending fuels Saudi POS surge for 2nd consecutive week

Jewelry spending fuels Saudi POS surge for 2nd consecutive week
Updated 26 March 2025
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Jewelry spending fuels Saudi POS surge for 2nd consecutive week

Jewelry spending fuels Saudi POS surge for 2nd consecutive week

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions climbed 6.3 percent to SR14.4 billion ($3.8 billion) in the week ending March 22, with jewelry once again leading the growth.

The latest figures from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, showed that spending in the sector registered the largest increase in the value of transactions at 29.9 percent to reach SR544.4 million.

Jewelry also saw a 34.4 percent surge in terms of the number of transactions, reaching 403,000.

The hotel sector ranked second with a 24.8 percent surge in transaction value to SR440 million. Spending on clothing and footwear followed, rising 24.5 percent, holding the second-largest share of POS transactions at SR1.87 billion.

Overall transactions increased by 22.4 percent to 12 million.

Expenditure on transportation edged up by 6.9 percent to SR950.8 million, and spending in restaurants and cafes increased by 3.7 percent, bringing the total value of transactions to SR1.5 billion.

The smallest spending increases were in the telecommunication and the construction sectors, rising by 0.2 percent to SR114.8 million and 0.03 percent to SR308 million, respectively.

Spending on education saw the steepest decline for the second week in a row, dropping 37.2 percent to SR88.2 million, following a 144.6 percent surge during the week from March 2 to 8 as students returned from the winter break.

Expenditure on public utilities saw a 4.5 percent dip to SR52.4 million, and spending on food and beverages recorded a 2 percent drop to SR1.88 billion, but still held the largest share of the POS.

Miscellaneous goods and services accounted for the third biggest POS share, with a 5.8 percent uptick, reaching SR1.7 billion. 

Spending in the leading three categories accounted for approximately 38.1 percent, or SR5.5 billion, of the week’s total value.

Geographically, Riyadh dominated POS transactions, representing around 34.1 percent of the total, with spending in the capital reaching SR4.9 billion — a 4.6 percent increase from the previous week. 

Jeddah followed with a 9.8 percent increase to SR2.1 billion, and Makkah came in third at SR933.2 million, up 14 percent. 

Tabuk experienced the smallest increase in spending, edging up by 0.6 percent to SR248.2 million. 

Buraidah and Makkah saw the largest increases in terms of number of transactions, surging by 4.2 percent and 3 percent, respectively, to 4.4 million and 9.8 million transactions.


Emirates NBD teams up with BlackRock to expand private market access 

Emirates NBD teams up with BlackRock to expand private market access 
Updated 26 March 2025
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Emirates NBD teams up with BlackRock to expand private market access 

Emirates NBD teams up with BlackRock to expand private market access 

RIYADH: Dubai’s Emirates NBD has partnered with US-based investment firm BlackRock to launch a dedicated platform aimed at giving its wealthy clients greater access to private markets and alternative assets. 

The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding to create this platform, as well as introduce an initial range of evergreen offerings focused on income and growth strategies, tailored exclusively for the UAE wealth market, according to a press statement. 

Clients of Emirates NBD Asset Management will gain access to BlackRock’s Alternative Investments platform, which currently oversees more than $450 billion in assets under management. 

The appetite for private market investments has been rising globally, driven by investors seeking portfolio diversification and stronger returns. This trend is further fueled by a slowdown in global capital market activity amid higher borrowing costs, with the alternative asset market projected to reach $30 trillion by the end of the decade. 

Marwan Hadi, group head of retail and wealth management at Emirates NBD, said: “Innovation is a cornerstone at Emirates NBD, and we are pleased to partner with BlackRock to offer access to best-in-class, products in alternative markets through a dedicated platform while supporting the growing needs of investors in the region.”  

He added: “We are deeply committed to creating value through our offerings and advancing the investment landscape in the UAE and the wider region, which has been experiencing a strong appetite in the last few years.” 

This partnership also aims to democratize investment opportunities previously limited to institutional investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. 

Beyond investment opportunities, BlackRock will leverage its open architecture approach to support Emirates NBD Asset Management’s private markets expansion, offering services including marketing, education, training, and technology. 

“We are delighted to partner with Emirates NBD as they build out their private markets platform. Spurred by investor sentiment and facilitated by product innovation, technology, and regulatory advancements, wealth allocations to private markets are predicted to increase materially over the next five years,” said Rachel Lord, head of International at BlackRock. 

Emirates NBD serves more than 9 million customers across 13 countries, holding 997 billion dirhams ($271 billion) in assets as of Dec. 31, 2024.