GCC markets log biggest foreign sell-off since 2019 as Saudi investors step up buying: Report
- Foreign investors sold a net $2.3 billion of GCC stocks in Q3 2026, marking the largest quarterly outflow since 2019.
- Local investors in the GCC showed resilience with net purchases of $760.7 million, reversing previous quarter losses.
- In Saudi Arabia, local investors transitioned to net purchases of SR5.6 billion ($1.49 billion), led by institutional investments.
- GCC markets exhibited divergent trends influenced by geopolitical developments, corporate earnings, and sector performance during Q3 2026.
- Foreign net selling was most significant in Dubai ($414.3 million) and Kuwait ($284.1 million), while Qatar experienced net buying of $10.9 million.
- Despite the sell-off, foreign investors remained net buyers in the Saudi market for the year, totaling SR6.7 billion, with focus on major stocks like Al Rajhi Bank and Aramco.
