Regional markets were mixed, with Egypt falling for a third
consecutive session.
SABIC, the world's largest chemical firm by market value,
rose 2.3 percent to SR91, reaching its highest value since Oct 10. The company
beat analyst estimates with its third-quarter results. "SABIC's
third-quarter result will be the major driving force for the Saudi market in
the coming days," said Hesham Tuffaha, head of research for Bakheet
Investment Group.
The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI), which slipped last week
after banks reported lower-than-expected quarterly earnings, climbed 0.4
percent to 6,285.24.
The sector activity for the day was mixed with 7 gaining
sectors against 8 losing sectors. The gaining sectors ranged from 0.13 percent
by the Multi-Investment sector to 2.28 percent by the Energy & Utilities
sector. On the other hand the losing sectors for the day ranged from 0.04
percent by the Retail sector and the Insurance sector to 2.16 percent by the
Building & Construction sector. The overall market breadth for the day was
positive with 69 advancers against 55 decliners giving it an AD ratio of 1.25,
the Financial Transaction House (FTH) said in its daily market commentary.
The liquidity for the day reached SR3.23 billion.
Egypt's Orascom Telecom (OT) slipped for a third day,
dragging the index lower, on continuing concern over a planned $6.6 billion
deal with Russia's Vimpelcom.
OT fell 2.3 percent to its lowest close since July 25.
The index slipped 0.4 percent to 6,845 points.
In Dubai, most property-related stocks fell as the emirate's
index slipped for a third session in a row, with investors booking profits.
"We are seeing some short term profit-taking," said Haissam Arabi,
chief executive and fund manager at Gulfmena Alternative Investments.
"Global markets are not providing any catalysts. So many investors are on
the sidelines waiting for third-quarter results and some are booking
profits."
Arabtec defied the trend, ending 0.5 percent higher after
Chief Financial Officer Ziad Makhzoumi said the Dubai builder expects
third-quarter profits to be in-line with the previous quarter and that the firm
will not need to take provisions.
The Dubai index retreated 0.3 percent to 1,739 points. The
Abu Dhabi index advanced 0.6 percent to 2,778 points.
Banking stocks weighed on Qatar's index as it slipped for a
third session in a row. Qatar National Bank fell 1 percent and Doha Bank ended
lower 0.9 percent. The Qatari index slipped 0.3 percent to 7,784 points.
The Kuwaiti index climbed 0.2 percent to 7,046 points.
The Oman index ended 0.3 percent higher at 6,545 points.
— With input from agencies
