Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) rose on Wednesday, gaining 58 points (+0.52%) to close at 11,238.07. The index opened 17 points above its previous close, but before closing it faced selling pressure, yet remained in the green zone. Overall, 16 out of 21 sectors closed in the green zone, and 160 shares rose while 93 fell. Telecommunication Services (+2.3%), Materials (+0.6%), and Energy (+0.4%) sectors contributed the most to the index rise. Stockwise, STC (+2.4%), Saudi Aramco (+0.4%), and Etihad Etisalat (+2.7%) were the major contributors to the index rise. The trading activity witnessed an increase in volume and value of 9% and 9%, respectively, to reach 357mn shares and SAR 5.8bn in value traded.
Market Wrap International:
U.S. equities ended mixed as rising Treasury yields and higher oil prices weighed on broader risk sentiment, while strength in select technology names helped limit downside. Investors continued to assess the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook following a divided decision and hawkish signals, which pushed yields to recent highs and pressured rate-sensitive sectors, while energy stocks outperformed alongside the move in crude. The S&P 500 fell -0.04%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined -0.6%, and the NASDAQ was rose with 0.05%.
European equities ended lower, tracking the softer global tone as elevated bond yields and persistent inflation concerns weighed on sentiment ahead of central bank signals. Energy-related pressures and weaker risk appetite dragged on cyclicals, while defensive sectors provided limited support amid ongoing concerns around growth and policy tightening. The FTSE 100 fell -1.2%, the DAX declined -0.3%, the CAC 40 dropped -0.4%, and the EURO STOXX 600 slipped -0.6%.
Asian markets ended higher, supported by gains in Chinese and Hong Kong equities as regional investors responded to selective strength in technology and improved sentiment in mainland markets despite global macro headwinds. However, the backdrop remained influenced by higher oil prices and firm U.S. yields, which limited broader upside across export-oriented markets. China’s SHCOMP rose 0.7%, South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.8%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was closed, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 1.7%.