Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) fell on Wednesday, dropping 11 points (-0.10%) to close at 10,704.51. The index opened 10 points above its previous close, but it recovered some losses before the close; however, it still ended in the red zone. Overall, 15 out of 21 sectors closed in the red zone, and 80 shares rose while 176 fell. Energy (-0.8%), Materials (-0.7%), and Utilities (-0.8%) sectors contributed the most to the index decline. Stockwise, Saudi Aramco (-1.0%), Maaden (-1.0%), and ACWA Power (-1.1%) were the major contributors to the index decline. The trading activity witnessed a decrease in volume and value of -21% and -12%, respectively, to reach 206mn shares and SAR 3.9bn in value traded.
Market Wrap International:
U.S. equities ended higher as softer wholesale inflation data and stronger-than-expected corporate earnings improved investor sentiment and reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may have room to ease policy later this year. Financial shares outperformed after upbeat results from BlackRock, while gains in large-cap technology stocks helped offset weakness in parts of the semiconductor sector and supported broader market momentum. The S&P 500 advanced 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3%, and the NASDAQ rose 0.6%.
European equities ended mixed as investors balanced improving corporate earnings prospects against persistent concerns over Middle East tensions and their potential impact on energy markets and inflation. Luxury stocks provided support following strong earnings updates, while technology and telecom shares lagged, weighing on Germany's market. The FTSE 100 declined -0.1%, the DAX fell -0.6%, the CAC 40 gained 0.2%, and the EURO STOXX 600 edged up 0.1%.
Asian markets are trading mixed as investors assess the outlook for global technology demand, regional monetary policy developments, and the implications of elevated geopolitical risks on energy prices and economic growth. Japanese and Hong Kong equities advanced on improved sentiment toward technology and Chinese-related shares, while mainland Chinese stocks eased. South Korea's KOSPI surged 6.2%, driven by renewed buying in semiconductor shares after recent volatility. The Nikkei 225 gained 1.5%, the Hang Seng rose 1.4%, and the SHCOMP declined -0.3%.