Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) rose for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, gaining 76 points (+0.7%) to close at 11,458. The index opened 34 points above its previous close. It initially showed a sharp decline, then experienced some fluctuation. Before closing, it increased again, remaining in the green zone throughout the session. In general, 16 out of 21 sectors closed in the green zone, and 117 shares rose while 139 fell. Energy (+1.5%), Banks (+0.6%), and Insurance (+2.3%) sectors contributed the most to the index rise. Stockwise, Aramco (+1.5%), Alinma Bank (+3.2%), and Saudi National Bank (+0.9%) were the major contributors. The trading activity witnessed a decrease in volume and value of -14% and -5%, respectively, to reach 280mn shares and SAR6.3bn in value traded.
Market Wrap International:
U.S. equities ended mixed as cautious positioning around Federal Reserve policy and stable Treasury yields kept risk appetite contained. Rate expectations remained broadly unchanged, limiting volatility in the yield curve and encouraging selective rotation rather than broad risk-taking. Technology and growth stocks provided support, while financials and defensives lagged amid mixed earnings signals. The U.S. dollar was broadly steady, offering limited directional input, while firmer crude prices underpinned energy shares. The S&P 500 declined -0.01%, the Dow Jones rose 0.02%, and the NASDAQ gained 0.2%.
European equities ended lower as global risk sentiment softened and sector-level weakness outweighed support from energy. Export-oriented sectors came under pressure as currency dynamics and uneven earnings outlooks weighed on cyclicals, while defensives offered only limited cushioning. Rising commodity prices reflected persistent inflation sensitivity but failed to lift broader equity sentiment. The FTSE 100 fell -0.5%, the DAX declined -0.3%, the CAC dropped -1.1%, and the EURO STOXX 600 eased -0.8%.
Asian markets are trading higher, led by strong gains in Hong Kong and South Korea as technology and export-linked stocks benefited from improved global tech sentiment and currency stability. Semiconductor-related shares outperformed, while mainland China remained more measured. Regional FX conditions and firm risk appetite supported flows into equities. The SHCOMP rose 0.3%, the KOSPI gained 1.7%, the Nikkei 225 advanced 0.05%, and the Hang Seng surged 2.6%.