Tadawul Review:

Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) fell on Wednesday, dropping 16 points (-0.1%) to close at 11,255. The index opened 9 points below its previous close, rose and stayed in the green zone until mid-session, before gradually declining to close negatively. Overall, 6 out of 21 sectors closed in the red zone, while 95 shares fell and 153 rose. Banks (-0.7%), Telecommunications (-0.5%), and Utilities (-0.5%) sectors contributed the most to the index fall. Stockwise, Al Rajhi Bank (-0.9%), Saudi Telecom (-1.0%), and Saudi National Bank (-0.6%) were the major contributors. The trading activity witnessed an increase in volume and value of 7% and 0.3%, respectively, to reach 202mn shares and SAR4.2bn in value traded.

 

 

Market Wrap International:

U.S. equities finished mixed as renewed progress toward ending the federal shutdown supported broader sentiment, lifting the Dow while the Nasdaq slipped on fresh pressure in overstretched tech names. Softer labor indicators boosted Treasuries and strengthened expectations for a more dovish Fed stance, helping the S&P 500 hold modest gains. The S&P 500 rose 0.1%, the Dow 0.7%, while the Nasdaq eased 0.3%.

European markets advanced, led by financials and cyclicals, as improving prospects for a U.S. shutdown resolution bolstered global risk appetite. Expectations that softening macro data could keep policy settings supportive added further momentum, though the FTSE 100 lagged slightly with weakness in industrial and energy names. The FTSE 100 edged up 0.1%, the DAX climbed 1.2%, the CAC gained 1.0%, and the STOXX 600 added 0.7%.

Asian equities were firmer despite persistent foreign outflows tied to concerns over elevated AI-linked tech valuations. Chinese stocks remained under pressure amid ongoing softness in domestic demand, while improving export sentiment supported gains in Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong. The SHCOMP slipped 0.1%, the KOSPI advanced 1.1%, the Nikkei 225 added 0.4%, and the Hang Seng gained 0.8%.