Tadawul Review:

Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) fell on Wednesday, ‎losing 24 points (-0.2%) to close at 11,559. The index ‎opened slightly below its previous closing level, then ‎gradually increased for a brief period before facing a ‎significant decline and showing slight fluctuations until ‎the close. Overall, 16 ‏out of 21 sectors closed in the red ‎zone, while 191 shares fell and 60 rose. Materials (-0.6%), ‎Real Estate (-1.0%), and Insurance (-1.8%) sectors ‎contributed the most to the index fall. Stockwise, ‎Almarai (-1.4%), Sabic (-1.1%), and Jabal Omar (-2.5%) ‎were the major contributors. The trading activity ‎witnessed an increase in volume and value of 103% and ‎‎25% respectively, to reach 619mn shares and SAR7.6bn ‎in value traded.‎

 

Market Wrap International:

U.S. equities rose as tech and AI shares led gains, supported by easing Treasury yields and optimism that the Federal Reserve will stay on course for rate cuts later this year. The S&P 500 gained 0.6%, the Nasdaq 1.1%, and the Dow Jones closed nearly flat.

European stocks followed Wall Street higher, boosted by industrials and materials after the EU moved to cut tariff-free steel import quotas, aiding local producers. Weaker German data limited enthusiasm but sentiment improved on monetary easing hopes. The FTSE 100 rose 0.7%, the DAX 0.9%, the CAC 1.1%, and the Euro Stoxx 600 0.8%.

Asian markets were mixed as the Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng each fell 0.5%, while Shanghai and Seoul remained closed. Regional sentiment steadied after a Middle East ceasefire eased energy concerns, though Chinese export restrictions kept investors cautious.