Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) rose for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, gaining 550 points (+5.1%) to close at 11,426. The index opened 169 points above its previous close, surged over 300 points within the first two minutes, and continued to rise steadily throughout the session. Overall, 21 out of 21 sectors closed in the green zone, and 247 shares rose while 11 fell. Banks (+9.2%), Materials (+3.5%), and Telecommunications (+5.6%) sectors contributed the most to the index rise. Stockwise, Saudi National Bank (+10.0%), Alinma Bank (+10.0%), and Etihad Etisalat (+9.9%) were the major contributors. The trading activity witnessed an increase in volume and value of 129% and 180%, respectively, to reach 598mn shares and SAR14.4bn in value traded.
Market Wrap International:
U.S. stocks slipped as investors weighed the Fed’s cautious stance after its latest rate cut, with Chair Powell highlighting stretched equity valuations and signaling future policy would remain data-dependent. This kept risk appetite in check, leading to declines across major benchmarks, with the S&P 500 down -0.3%, the Dow Jones off -0.4%, and the Nasdaq lower by -0.3%.
European equities traded narrowly as energy and defensive names provided support, though concerns over inflation, slowing growth, and supply-chain strains capped sentiment. The FTSE 100 added 0.3% and the DAX rose 0.2%, while the CAC fell -0.6% and the Euro Stoxx 600 lost -0.2%.
Asian markets showed resilience, supported by signs of Chinese policy backing and renewed inflows into Hong Kong. The SHCOMP advanced 0.8% and the Hang Seng surged 1.4%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.3%, while KOSPI fell -0.4%.