Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) fell on Thursday, dropping 50 points (-0.45%) to close at 11,187.66. The index opened 1 point above its previous close, but it recovered some losses before the close; however, it still ended in the red zone. Overall, 12 out of 21 sectors closed in the red zone, and 123 shares rose while 133 fell. Banks (-1.3%), Telecommunication Services (-1.4%), and Insurance (-1.6%) sectors contributed the most to the index decline. Stockwise, Alrajhi (-1.2%), SNB (-1.6%), and Etihad Etisalat (-3.0%) were the major contributors to the index decline. The trading activity witnessed an increase in volume and value of +30% and +21%, respectively, to reach 466mn shares and SAR 7.0bn in value traded.
Market Wrap International:
U.S. equities ended mixed as strong corporate earnings and continued momentum in large-cap technology supported growth sectors, while a modest pullback in the Dow reflected rotation and profit-taking in cyclicals. Lower oil prices and resilient economic data helped sustain risk appetite, even as investors remained attentive to Federal Reserve policy signals and elevated yields. Technology shares led gains, offsetting weaknesses in industrial and energy-linked names. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, the NASDAQ advanced 0.9%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined -0.3%.
European equities ended with a muted and mixed tone, with several major markets closed for holidays, limiting overall activity and keeping volumes subdued. The regional mood broadly tracked the constructive backdrop from Wall Street, though gains were restricted by the lack of fresh catalysts and light participation. Defensive sectors provided limited support while broader sector performance remained balanced. The FTSE 100 declined -0.1%, the DAX closed, the CAC 40 closed, and the EURO STOXX 600 rose 0.04%.
Asian markets are trading with a firmer tone overall, supported by positive spillover from U.S. Technology strength and stable global risk sentiment, while currency movements particularly in the Japanese yen remain a key focus for investors. Gains in Japan were led by exporters and technology-related shares, while other regional markets showed limited movement due to holiday closures and cautious positioning. The Nikkei 225 advanced 0.4%, while the Hang Seng closed, the SHCOMP closed, and the KOSPI closed.