Algorithmic trading drives 25% of Saudi capital market volumes
Updated 03 September 2024
Nadin Hassan REEM WALID
RIYADH: Algorithmic trading accounts for a quarter of traded volumes in the Saudi capital market, a top official has revealed at the 24 Fintech conference in Riyadh.
Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority, told the event that the practice is playing a significant role in the Kingdom’s financial markets.
Algorithmic trading, or algo trading, involves the use of computer algorithms to execute a large number of trading orders at high speeds. These formulas follow predefined instructions to generate profits at a rate and frequency unattainable by human traders.
“Today, around the world, algorithmic trading represents 60 to 70 percent of global trading volumes, especially in developed markets. Even though Saudi Arabia is new to algorithmic trading, it now accounts for about one-fourth of traded volumes in the Saudi capital market,” El-Kuwaiz said.
The CMA chairman noted that digital trading began in the 1970s, even before the Internet, and in Saudi Arabia, it was introduced in the early 1990s.
“Today, it represents over 90 percent of traded volumes,” he added.
This shift toward digital trading is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to develop a robust infrastructure in the sector while encouraging innovation and fostering a competitive economy.
El-Kuwaiz also emphasized the substantial investment in information technology within the financial services industry. He added that the industry represents almost 15 percent of IT spending across the world, highlighting the importance of digitization in financial services.
Discussing the evolution of fintech in Saudi Arabia, El-Kuwaiz explained the transition from equity crowdfunding platforms to debt crowdfunding platforms. “When we first started with fintechs, the single biggest interest was in equity crowdfunding platforms, which created a massive operation. The migration we have seen over time was from equity crowdfunding platforms to debt crowdfunding platforms,” the chairman said.
The 24 Fintech conference, co-organized by Tahaluf — a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and the Events Investment Fund — along with key Saudi financial regulators, aims to position the Kingdom as a global fintech leader in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
The three-day event at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center is expected to draw over 30,000 participants, 300 exhibitors, and more than 350 investors, aiming to become one of the world’s premier fintech conferences and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth in the industry.
Oil Updates — crude eases from highest in weeks, investors eye Fed rate cuts
Updated 23 sec ago
REUTERS
SINGAPORE: Oil futures eased from their highest levels in weeks as traders took profit while waiting for a meeting of the Federal Reserve later this week for indication of further rate cuts, according to Reuters.
Falls were limited, however, by concerns of supply disruptions in the event of more US sanctions on major suppliers Russia and Iran.
Brent crude futures fell 21 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $74.28 a barrel by 07:24 a.m. Saudi time after settling at their highest level since Nov. 22 on Friday.
US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 30 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $70.99 a barrel after reaching its highest settlement level since Nov. 7 in the previous session.
“After last week’s +6% rally, and with crude oil trading towards the top of recent range highs, we are likely seeing some light profit-taking,” IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said.
“Also, it is likely a lot of trading books at banks and funds shut up shop at the end of last week and have reduced appetite for positions over the festive season.”
Oil prices were bolstered by new EU sanctions on Russian oil last week and expectations of tighter sanctions on Iranian supply, he added.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Reuters on Friday that the US is looking at further sanctions on “dark fleet” tankers and will not rule out sanctions on Chinese banks as it seeks to reduce Russia’s oil revenue and access to foreign supplies to fuel its war in Ukraine.
Fresh US sanctions on entities trading Iranian oil are already driving prices of the crude sold to China to the highest in years. The incoming Trump administration is expected to ramp up pressure on Iran.
Oil prices were also supported by key central bank interest rate cuts in Canada, Europe and Switzerland last week and expectations the Fed will cut rates this week, Sycamore said.
The Fed is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point at its Dec. 17-18 meeting which will also provide an updated look at how much further Fed officials think they will reduce rates in 2025 and perhaps into 2026.
Lower interest rates can boost economic growth and demand for oil.
Still, forecasts of ample supply in 2025 by the International Energy Agency and CNPC’s forecasts of oil demand decline in China, the world’s second-largest consumer, after consumption peaked in 2023 are factors that will continue to weigh on global oil markets.
PIF’s Dan Co. to launch resort in Al-Ahsa to boost Saudi tourism sector
Updated 15 December 2024
Reem Walid
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth with the announcement of a new resort project in Al-Ahsa by Dan Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.
The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance the tourism industry and elevate hospitality standards across the country.
The resort will integrate sustainability, innovation, and high-quality service, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. By focusing on these key principles, the project aims to enhance the appeal of Al-Ahsa as both a local and international tourism destination.
This move is also aligned with the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 and increasing the tourism sector’s contribution to the national gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent.
Saad Al-Kroud, chairman of Dan Co., highlighted that the resort will leverage Al-Ahsa’s unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The project will promote rural, recreational, and ecotourism, offering visitors a variety of experiences that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes and agricultural legacy.
“By focusing on the natural environment and cultural heritage, this development will offer distinctive experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, further solidifying Al-Ahsa’s position as a key destination in Saudi Arabia’s tourism map,” Al-Kroud said.
As part of PIF’s broader vision to transform the Kingdom’s tourism landscape, Dan Co. is committed to promoting agritourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism.
These initiatives aim to deepen the connection between visitors and nature, while creating economic opportunities for local communities and fostering sustainable development.
Through this project, Dan Co. aims not only to enhance Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings but also to help diversify local economies and support the growth of thriving businesses in the region.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,059
Parallel market Nomu gained 72.18 points, or 0.23%, to close at 31,173.07
MSCI Tadawul Index lost 5.47 points, or 0.36%, to close at 1,513.54
Updated 15 December 2024
Reem Walid
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 39.80 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 12,059.53.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.32 billion ($885 million), as 91 of the stocks advanced and 129 retreated.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 72.18 points, or 0.23 percent, to close at 31,173.07. This comes as 52 of the listed stocks advanced, while 35 retreated.
The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 5.47 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 1,513.54.
The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Cable Co., whose share price surged 8.49 percent to SR93.30.
Other top performers included Sumou Real Estate Co., whose share price rose 6.61 percent to SR47.60, as well as Walaa Cooperative Insurance Co., whose share price surged 3.45 percent to SR18.60.
Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. recorded the biggest drop, falling 6.06 percent to SR0.31.
Riyadh Cables Group Co. also saw its stock prices fall 3.07 percent to SR145.
On the announcements front, Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. announced the latest development regarding the acquisition of its subsidiary, Tadawul Advanced Solutions Co., or WAMID, of 51 percent shares in Direct Financial Network Co., by announcing the acquisition of 49 percent of the entire remaining shares in Direct Financial Network Co. for SR 220.5 million.
According to a Tadawul statement, the transaction is integral to WAMID’s growth strategy, supporting the group’s ambitious strategy.
The acquisition of 100 percent of the entire shares of the issued capital of Direct Financial Network Co. will create an opportunity to build new capabilities, elevate innovation in the regional capital markets, diversify revenues, and advance the capital market.
The acquisition value will be funded by the existing Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. Sharia-compliant banking facilities. The transaction is also expected to have a positive financial impact on the group over time.
Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. ended the session at SR223, up 0.18 percent.
Mufeed Co. announced that its board of directors has decided to distribute SR33 million in cash dividends to shareholders for the first half of 2024.
A bourse filing revealed that the total number of shares eligible for dividends amounted to 6.6 million, with the dividend per share at SR5. The statement also revealed that the percentage of dividends to the share par value stood at 50 percent.
Mufeed Co. ended the session at SR76 down 10.81 percent.
Salama Cooperative Insurance Co. announced the period for rights issue trading and new shares subscription from Dec. 17-29.
According to a Tadawul statement, holders of rights may exercise their right to subscribe to new shares, in full or in part, up to the number of rights available in their portfolios. Trading rights and subscribing to new shares will be conducted according to the terms outlined in the prospectus for registered shareholders and new investors.
Salama Cooperative Insurance Co. ended the session at SR17.32, down 0.81 percent.
UAE’s proptech Stake expands to Saudi Arabia, to consider regional HQ relocation, GM says
Hanouf Bin Saeed said move aims to capitalize on rapidly growing real estate market driven by Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives
After a successful closure of a $14 million funding round in June, Stake officially launched its operations in the Kingdom on Dec. 9
Updated 15 December 2024
NOUR EL-SHAERI
RIYADH: UAE real estate investment platform Stake is considering relocating its regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia, but no immediate plans have been finalized, according to a top official.
In an interview with Arab News, Hanouf Bin Saeed, general manager of Stake Saudi Arabia, said the move would align with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in the Kingdom, capitalizing on the rapidly growing real estate market driven by Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives.
“In our next step, we aim to move the regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia,” she told Arab News. “Today, with the initiatives happening, it could be very soon. We don’t have a timeline, but our focus today is to grow our footprint in Saudi, build our team, (and) ensure that we have robust, stable growth in Saudi Arabia to be able to capitalize on opportunities and an unparalleled market that is happening in the real estate market today.”
Bin Saeed said the relocation is merely a possibility and the company’s immediate plans focus on expansion and building a solid foundation in the Kingdom.
Stake Saudi is here! Download the app and complete your onboarding today to be ready for our first real estate fund launching tomorrow. Be among the first to unlock Saudi’s real estate market with Stake.
After a successful closure of a $14 million funding round in June, Stake officially launched its operations in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 9, debuting with its first real estate investment opportunity, which was already 60 percent funded as of mid-December.
The platform, originally established in the UAE four years ago, allows individual investors to invest in real estate projects.
While property investing typically involves large amounts of upfront capital and an antiquated buying process, investors globally can access real estate through Stake from as little as SR500 ($136), the company said.
According to Bin Saeed, Stake has over 800,000 users from 170 countries and has facilitated real estate transactions exceeding $130 million in gross merchandise value in the UAE market. The platform has also distributed more than $5 million in dividends to investors from rental income.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia for Stake’s expansion, she underscored the transformative economic initiatives under Vision 2030, including a goal to achieve 70 percent homeownership among Saudi nationals by 2030.
“The country is injecting real estate units into the Saudi market — above 500,000 units — just to be able to reach that percentage by 2030,” she said.
The Kingdom’s booming real estate sector, driven by residential, commercial, and hospitality demand, provides fertile ground for Stake’s mission of democratizing real estate investments, she added.
“For us in Stake, our mission is fully aligned with Vision 2030 when it comes to democratizing real estate investments,” Bin Saeed said.
“This is why Stake decided to come to Saudi Arabia, bringing the solution that has been built and successful in the UAE market to Saudi Arabia and to the Saudi market to be able to capitalize on the opportunities that are coming today,” she added.
Stake is one of the few platforms regulated by the Kingdom’s Capital Market Authority to cater to non-resident foreign investors, a key competitive advantage as the Saudi government works to position the country as a global investment hub, Bin Saeed added.
The platform obtained its CMA license in July and has since established an office and local team in Saudi Arabia, while also preparing to expand its fund offerings in the Kingdom significantly.
“For Stake, as we mentioned, we just launched with a fund which is around SR200 million, and our expectation for the coming six months is to launch funds with SR1 billion amount and move forward from there,” Bin Saeed said.
Stake is also eyeing opportunities in commercial real estate and office spaces as international businesses increasingly enter the Saudi market.
The Kingdom’s plans to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 and the associated growth in the hospitality sector are expected to further boost rental income by 30 percent to 40 percent, according to Bin Saeed.
With the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape, Stake sees Saudi Arabia as a cornerstone of its regional growth strategy.
Bin Saeed stressed the company’s long-term commitment, saying: “We are tapping into different options when it comes to the real estate itself and to be able to localize the market and create these opportunities.”
Saudi Arabia invests $2.66bn to transform logistics infrastructure with 18 new zones
Move is part of a broader strategy to attract local and global investments
It came during the opening ceremony of the sixth edition of the Supply Chain Conference in Riyadh
Updated 15 December 2024
Nadin Hassan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is strengthening its logistics infrastructure by developing 18 new logistics zones, with total investments exceeding SR10 billion ($2.66 billion), according to senior officials.
This move is part of the country’s broader strategy to attract local and global investments. During the opening ceremony of the sixth edition of the Supply Chain Conference in Riyadh, Saleh Al-Jasser, minister of transport and logistics, announced that the Kingdom plans to increase the number of logistics zones from 22 to 59 by 2030.
“The Kingdom has successfully strengthened its logistical capabilities to support the national economy. This progress has attracted leading global companies to invest in the logistics sector,” Al-Jasser said.
He further stated: “Both local and international private sectors have committed to establishing several logistics zones, with contracts signed for the creation of 18 logistics zones in ports, totaling investments exceeding SR10 billion.”
Al-Jasser also highlighted the Kingdom’s rising position in the global container handling rankings. According to the UNCTAD report for 2024, Saudi Arabia gained an additional 231 points in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index and added 30 new maritime shipping lines, underscoring the Kingdom’s key role in global trade.
“Saudi Arabia has played an active role in enhancing the efficiency of global supply chains and establishing the foundations necessary to ensure the smooth flow of goods and commodities across the region,” Al-Jasser said.
He added: “This has been achieved by leveraging the Kingdom’s strong and growing logistical capabilities, which include an advanced network of regional and international airports, a robust series of highly efficient ports, and modern railway and road networks. These assets accelerate shipping, handling, and export activities, linking the Kingdom to global markets.”
Al-Jasser emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. He highlighted that the integration of various transport modes—such as ports, airports, and railways—into a unified and efficient system will boost competitiveness and facilitate seamless trade flows.
“The Kingdom will continue to enhance its logistical capabilities to facilitate exports, support supply chains, and improve its performance in global logistics indicators,” Al-Jasser said. He further emphasized: “The focus will remain on bolstering maritime shipping routes, expanding air freight operations, increasing rail freight capacities, and activating logistics centers to support sustainable development, further cementing the Kingdom's role as a global logistics hub and a vital link in international supply chains.”
Al-Jasser also underlined the importance of supply chains in Saudi Arabia’s broader economic strategy, noting their fundamental role in achieving the sustainability and integration goals set out in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030.
“We consider them a fundamental pillar for achieving the sustainability and integration we aspire to, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” he said.
After his speech, Al-Jasser told Arab News that the growing interest from global multinational companies in Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector is a testament to the Kingdom’s strategic location and commitment to becoming a global logistics hub.
“This will not only create jobs for Saudis and make it more efficient for Saudi companies to operate, but will also enable various sectors across Saudi Arabia,” Al-Jasser said.
He added: “This comes as part of the implementation of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which stems from Vision 2030 that is inspired and steered by his royal highness the crown prince.”
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef
Meanwhile, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bander Alkhorayef emphasized the Kingdom’s natural resources and abundant energy supply as crucial advantages for its industrial sector.
“The diverse resources of the Kingdom, including its natural wealth and abundant energy supply, are all positive factors that make Saudi Arabia an important partner in the industrial sector,” he said.
Alkhorayef also highlighted the vital role logistics plays in enabling Saudi industries to compete globally, particularly given the limitations of the domestic market.
“The presence of robust supply chains and logistics services is of utmost importance in reducing costs for manufacturers and investors, while enhancing the Kingdom's overall competitiveness,” he stated.
He continued: “First, the natural resources available in the Kingdom are very large and are among the foundations of the main national strategies, especially the Industrial Strategy and the Mining Strategy. Maximizing the benefit from these resources is a priority, particularly in oil, gas, petrochemicals, and minerals.”
Alkhorayef further noted, “Secondly, the geographical location of the Kingdom qualifies it to connect different regions of the world. In addition, the excellent infrastructure and the availability of energy at globally competitive prices make the Kingdom a natural choice for many manufacturing industries, whether intermediate products to become final in other regions or vice versa.”
The minister also stressed Saudi Arabia’s strong domestic market, which is further bolstered by the Gulf region’s high purchasing power, making it an attractive market for various products, especially those in critical sectors such as food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and water-related industries.
“Essentially, the Kingdom’s robust local demand and the Gulf’s economic strength create significant opportunities for businesses and investors in these essential sectors,” Alkhorayef added.
Reflecting on global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and disruptions in global supply chains, Alkhorayef acknowledged that these issues underscore the Kingdom’s potential to attract investments and use its resources and advanced technologies to address supply chain challenges.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s success in re-exports, stating, “In 2024, re-exports reached SR61 billion, representing a 23 percent growth compared to the previous year.”
“This remarkable achievement was made possible through outstanding capabilities, robust infrastructure, and the seamless coordination among various entities,” he added.
Alkhorayef emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s strategic location and infrastructure are key enablers of its growing industrial sector. “The excellent infrastructure and the availability of energy at globally competitive prices make the Kingdom a natural choice for many manufacturing industries,” he said.
A new prospect in rail projects
Al-Jasser also discussed the Northern Train Line, which he described as the Kingdom’s largest rail project and a cornerstone for the mining sector. The line, connecting mining areas with key ports, plays a vital role in supporting industrial and economic growth.
“The Northern Train Line is likely the largest rail project in the Kingdom. It has been established as a foundation to enable the mining sector. Therefore, all infrastructure development plans are interconnected with the inputs from various sectors,” he said during the panel session.
Al-Jasser noted that the Saudi Railway Co. is currently expanding and duplicating the Northern Train Line with investments exceeding SR5 billion. This expansion is part of the Kingdom's broader plans to enhance the mining sector and ensure efficient connectivity between the railway and eastern ports, supporting both export and trade growth.
Through these efforts, Saudi Arabia is continuing to align its industrial and logistics sectors with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030, fostering a sustainable and globally competitive economy.
It is worth noting that the conference brings together an exclusive group of international experts and specialists, focused on sharing best practices and the latest methods to enhance supply chain performance and efficiency.
The program features a series of engaging dialogue sessions, as well as workshops and an entrepreneurship corner.
Additionally, a platform has been created to empower Saudi women in the supply chain sector, offering training and development opportunities to boost their contributions to the Saudi economy and open new career paths in key industries.
