Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) started the week on a positive note, ending Sunday's session with an increase of 43 points (+0.4%) to close at 12,007 levels, the highest since mid of last month. TASI opened positive and reached an intraday high of 12,076 (+112 points), before paring gains. A slew of result announcements before the market open provided the impetus to the market. In general, 17 sectors out of 20 closed in the green, while 135 stocks rose and 65 stocks fell. Energy (+1.3%), Materials (+0.6%), and Telecom (+1.1%) pushed the index above 12,000 points (total contribution: 28 points). Stock-wise, Aramco (+1.3%) led the charge, followed by Maaden (+2.5%) and ACWA Power (+2.1%). The trading activity also witnessed a decrease in the volume and value of trading by -8% and -9%, respectively, to reach 130mn shares and SAR5.2bn. The market may look to consolidate above the 12k mark with ongoing earnings season and robust oil prices providing support.
The global equity indices will likely see an eventful week next week with results season, important economic data and policy decision by ECB testing the investors' nerves. In the U.S, the results of the tech sector will dominate the investors’ attention with many mega-cap companies scheduled to release the 3Q22 report card. On economic data, purview of 3Q GDP (expectation of rebound in growth from consecutive drop in the past two quarters), consumer sentiment data and PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditure) are some of the important data points for the markets. The rebound in the key indices on Friday was driven by the investors’ view that the Fed may become less hawkish following the policy decision in early Nov-22. The upcoming economic data remains crucial to further support the view.
In Europe, the upcoming policy decision by the ECB (another jumbo hike of 75bps likely) and any let-up in the ongoing political development in the U.K (new prime minister to be announced on 28th Oct) will be key focus areas. 3Q22 preliminary GDP growth estimate for the region and GDP estimate for Germany & France are some of the more important data sets due next week in the region.
In Asia, investors will likely show reaction to the latest appointments on key positions in China following the conclusion of an important gathering of leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) over the weekend. Other important events include policy announcement by Bank of Japan (BoJ), GDP growth estimates for 3Q22 (China in particular) and result seasons (dominated by banks) will be closely tracked. Overall, the region may look to recover with results season and valuation providing the much-needed support.