Tadawul Review:

The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) inched down on Thursday, losing -35 points (-0.3%) to close at 11,364. The index opened 38 points higher than the previous closing level but gradually declined throughout the session until the close. The day’s trading range spanned from -64 to +56 points. 18 out of  21 sectors ended in the red, with 173 stocks declining and only 65 advancing. The Materials (-1%), Telecommunications (-1.6%), and Healthcare Equipment and Services (-1.6%) sectors were the biggest drags on the index. Key contributors to the decline included Sulaiman Al Habib (-2.5%), Etihad Etisalat (-2.7%), and Ma’aden (-1.4%). Trading activity slowed, with volume falling -6% to 200 million shares, while value decreased by -2% to SAR 4.7 billion. 

Market Wrap International:

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of high-stakes trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. Sentiment was further influenced by President Trump’s remarks suggesting possible tariff reductions and more trade deals on the horizon. Sector-wise, Health Care led losses, down -1.10%, followed by Communication Services at -0.62% and Consumer Staples at -0.61%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by -0.3%, the S&P 500 declined by -0.1%, and the Nasdaq index closed little changed.

European stocks closed higher, buoyed by confirmation of a trade agreement between the U.K. and U.S., which helped lift sentiment across the region. Investors also turned their focus to the upcoming U.S.-China trade negotiations, hoping for signs of progress in easing global trade tensions. The Europe STOXX 600 advanced by 0.4%, DAX rose 0.6%, CAC 40 gained 0.6%, and FTSE 100 climbed 0.3%.

Asian markets ended mixed as investors stayed cautious ahead of high-stakes trade talks between China and the U.S. Sentiment was also shaped by China’s latest trade data, with markets parsing April’s exports and imports figures. Hang Seng climbed by 0.4% and Nikkei 225 rose by 1.6%. In contrast, SHCOMP declined by -0.3% and KOSPI dropped by -0.1%.