Closing Bell: Saudi main index gains, closes at 12,106 points  

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.49 billion ($1.99 billion), as 92 stocks advanced, while 133 retreated.   
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.49 billion ($1.99 billion), as 92 stocks advanced, while 133 retreated.   
Short Url
Updated 11 November 2024
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index gains, closes at 12,106 points  

Closing Bell: Saudi main index gains, closes at 12,106 points  
  • MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 2.44 points, or 0.16%, to close at 1,521.20
  • Parallel market, Nomu, dropped by losing 87.15 points, or 0.30%, to close at 29,161 points

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose by 0.03 percent or 3.25 points to reach 12,106.41 points on Monday.   

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.49 billion ($1.99 billion), as 92 stocks advanced, while 133 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 2.44 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 1,521.20.    

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, dropped by losing 87.15 points, or 0.30 percent, to close at 29,161 points. This comes as 39 stocks advanced, while as many as 41 retreated.   

The index’s top performer, Alandalus Property Co., saw a 5.47 percent increase in its share price to close at SR24.70.   

Other top performers included Rasan Information Technology Co. and Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co., with share prices rising by 5.16 percent to SR83.60 and 5.09 percent to SR17.76, respectively.  

Al-Omran Industrial Trading Co. and Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh Hospital Co. also recorded positive trajectories today, with share prices rising by 4.18 percent to SR39.85 and 3.74 percent to SR61.10, respectively.   

On the announcement front, Arabian Drilling has secured a 10-year contract extension for one of its land rigs with Saudi Aramco, the company announced today in a bourse filing. 

The extension is set to commence immediately after the current agreement concludes in the fourth quarter of the year. The estimated backlog associated with the new contract is valued at approximately SR440 million. 

Ghassan Mirdad, CEO of Arabian Drilling, highlighted the significance of the extended partnership with Saudi Aramco. 

“We are very pleased with the contract extension as we continue to build on our long-term partnership with Aramco and deliver exceptional service,” Mirdad said. 

“The material backlog of approximately SR440 million will support our future growth,” he added.  

Arabian Drilling closed Monday’s trading session with a 2.11 percent increase in its share price to reach SR116.20. 

The Middle East Paper Co. announced that its subsidiary, Juthor, has signed an agreement with Austria-based Andritz AG for the procurement, supply, and installation of a main production line machine. 

The contract encompasses the purchase of a complete tissue paper production line, with an annual capacity of 60,000 tonnes and a speed of 2,100 meters per minute. 

The agreement value represents less than 25 percent of MEPCO’s total revenue, as reported in its most recent audited financial statement. The duration of the deal is set for 24 months, with the monetary impact expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. 

MEPCO also released its financial results for the first nine months of the year, recording SR775.4 million in revenue, a 20 percent increase compared to the same period last year. 

The company recorded losses of SR33.7 million, an improvement on the SR50.1 million last year. 

MEPCO’s share price dropped by 0.51 percent by Monday’s close to settle at SR38.95. 

Middle East Specialized Cables Co. also released its financial results for the same period to record a 24.9 percent year-on-year revenue increase. 

The company saw SR830.4 million in sales and SR68.7 million in net profits, a 78.9 percent increase from last year. 

Revenue growth was mainly driven by higher sales order volumes across all sectors, particularly in the oil and gas segment. The company secured a greater number of bids and orders compared to the same period last year. 

The net profit surge was attributed to increased sales volume, improved profit margins, and enhanced operational efficiency during the current period. 

The company’s share price dropped 2.37 percent by Monday’s close to settle at SR37.10. 


Egypt pays off $38.7bn in debts in 2024

Egypt pays off $38.7bn in debts in 2024
Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Egypt pays off $38.7bn in debts in 2024

Egypt pays off $38.7bn in debts in 2024

RIYADH: Egypt has successfully repaid $38.7 billion in debts during 2024, including $7 billion in November and December, demonstrating its commitment to meeting financial obligations despite significant economic challenges.

The announcement was made by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during a Cabinet meeting, where he emphasized the government’s efforts to manage debt repayments in the face of a volatile global economic environment.

As Egypt continues to tackle its economic difficulties, the country is also set to receive around $1.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund under a staff-level agreement for the Extended Fund Facility program. The agreement, which is pending approval from the IMF’s executive board, aims to provide crucial financial support to stabilize Egypt’s economy.

This funding is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to stabilize its economy amid soaring inflation and lower-than-expected revenues, including a significant drop in earnings from the Suez Canal.

“The Egyptian authorities have consistently implemented key policies to maintain macroeconomic stability, despite the ongoing regional tensions and the sharp decline in Suez Canal receipts,” said Ivanna Vladkova Hollar, who led the IMF mission to Egypt.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty revealed last month that the country had lost $8 billion in Suez Canal revenues, underscoring the broader economic challenges.

In response, the IMF and Egyptian authorities have agreed to revise the country’s fiscal consolidation strategy, allowing for crucial social programs aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and the middle class, while ensuring long-term debt sustainability.

“Special attention will be required to manage fiscal risks related to state-owned enterprises in the energy sector, and to enforce the strict implementation of the public investment ceiling, which includes capital expenditures from public entities operating outside the general government budget,” added Hollar.

The reduction in external debt is a significant achievement, reflecting the Egyptian government’s commitment to managing its financial obligations despite the ongoing global economic turbulence.

Despite economic hurdles like rising inflation and fiscal deficits, Egypt has worked to balance addressing external debt with fostering sustainable growth. This reduction in debt is expected to improve Egypt’s creditworthiness, sending a positive signal to international markets and potentially attracting more global investment.

In an effort to stimulate further economic growth, Madbouly also announced plans to privatize several airports and banks, with the aim of boosting private sector involvement in the economy.


UAE, China lead Saudi Arabia’s Non-oil exports in October

UAE, China lead Saudi Arabia’s Non-oil exports in October
Updated 26 December 2024
Follow

UAE, China lead Saudi Arabia’s Non-oil exports in October

UAE, China lead Saudi Arabia’s Non-oil exports in October
  • China was the second-largest destination for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports during the month, receiving shipments worth SR2.35 billion
  • King Fahad Industrial Sea Port in Jubail was the top exit point, processing exports valued at SR3.77 billion

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports surged in October, with the UAE and China emerging as the Kingdom’s top trading partners, showcasing its ongoing efforts to diversify the economy under Vision 2030.

Outbound shipments to the UAE reached SR5.86 billion ($1.56 billion), a rise of 54.2 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the latest report by the General Authority for Statistics. Mechanical and electrical equipment topped the list of exports to the UAE, valued at SR3.11 billion, followed by transport parts worth SR713.5 million and chemical products at SR503.8 million.

China was the second-largest destination for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports during the month, receiving shipments worth SR2.35 billion. Chemical products accounted for SR826.3 million of these exports, followed by plastic and rubber goods valued at SR795.1 million. Mineral products worth SR300.5 million were also exported to China in October.

Strengthening the non-oil sector is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on crude revenues. The initiative has been a key driver of economic policy since its launch in 2016, and officials have pointed to tangible progress in this direction.

Speaking at the World Economic Conference in Riyadh last month, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, highlighted that the non-oil sector now accounts for 52 percent of the Kingdom’s real gross domestic product. He further noted that non-oil economic activities have been growing at an annual rate of 20 percent since the Vision 2030 reforms began.

This diversification push has been underscored by recent economic indicators. Saudi Arabia’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, which measures business activity in the non-oil private sector, rose to 59.0 in November from 56.9 in October. 

A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, and November’s figure represents the fastest pace of growth since July.

India was another key destination for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods in October, with exports totaling SR2.11 billion. Other significant markets included Singapore, which received SR947.5 million in shipments, and the US, which accounted for SR829.6 million.

European markets also featured prominently among Saudi Arabia’s export partners. Belgium imported SR820.7 million worth of non-oil products, while Egypt and Turkiye received SR808.8 million and SR767.9 million, respectively.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports reached SR25.38 billion in October, reflecting a 12.7 percent year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Export channels

Maritime routes continued to play a vital role in facilitating the Kingdom’s non-oil trade, handling shipments worth SR15.41 billion in October. King Fahad Industrial Sea Port in Jubail was the top exit point, processing exports valued at SR3.77 billion, followed by Jeddah Islamic Sea Port at SR3.53 billion.

Other key ports included Jubail Sea Port, which handled outbound shipments valued at SR1.86 billion, and King Abdulaziz Sea Port, which processed SR2.36 billion worth of exports.

Land routes accounted for SR5.20 billion of non-oil exports, while air shipments contributed SR4.75 billion. Among airports, King Khalid International in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah handled exports valued at SR2.25 billion and SR2.38 billion, respectively.

Imports trends

While non-oil exports experienced robust growth, Saudi Arabia’s imports declined by 3.8 percent year on year to SR72.01 billion in October. Machinery and equipment topped the list of imported goods, comprising 25.7 percent of total imports and reflecting a 6.9 percent annual increase.

However, transportation equipment imports fell sharply by 21.6 percent, accounting for 15.3 percent of total imports. This decline in transport-related imports highlights shifting priorities in the Kingdom’s procurement patterns as it continues to diversify its economy.

China remained the Kingdom’s largest source of imports, supplying goods worth SR17.58 billion in October. These included mechanical and electrical equipment valued at SR7.54 billion, transport equipment at SR2.28 billion, and base metal products at SR1.73 billion.

The US was the second-largest source of imports, with shipments totaling SR5.69 billion, followed by the UAE at SR4.34 billion. Other notable trading partners included India, which supplied goods worth SR4.11 billion, and Germany, which accounted for SR3.21 billion in imports.

Saudi Arabia’s sea routes handled 60.6 percent of its total imports in October, amounting to SR43.67 billion. King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam was the primary entry point, receiving SR21.16 billion worth of goods.

Air routes accounted for SR19.38 billion of imports, while land shipments contributed SR8.94 billion. Among land ports, Al Bat’ha Port was the most significant, handling SR3.84 billion worth of inbound goods.

Merchandise exports

Despite the positive performance in the non-oil sector, Saudi Arabia’s overall merchandise exports fell 10.7 percent year on year in October, reaching SR92.78 billion. This decline was primarily driven by a 17.3 percent drop in oil exports, which still account for a majority of the Kingdom’s trade.

Oil’s share of total exports fell to 72.6 percent in October, down from 78.3 percent in the same month last year. This shift underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reducing its reliance on crude sales as part of its long-term economic strategy.

China remained the top recipient of Saudi exports overall, importing goods worth SR14.95 billion. India was the second-largest market, receiving SR8.79 billion in shipments, followed by Japan at SR8.70 billion and South Korea at SR8.31 billion.

Other major export destinations included the UAE, which received SR7.05 billion worth of goods, and Egypt, which accounted for SR3.49 billion. Poland and Singapore were also significant markets, importing SR3.43 billion and SR2.68 billion, respectively.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investments in economic diversification are expected to sustain growth in the non-oil sector. A recent report by PwC Middle East projected that the Kingdom’s non-oil economy will expand by 4.4 percent in 2025, building on the current momentum.

The report also noted that the non-oil private sector grew by 4.9 percent in the second quarter of this year, contributing to an overall expansion of 3.8 percent in the non-oil economy.

As the Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 goals, non-oil exports and trade partnerships will remain critical to driving sustainable economic growth.


Oil Updates — prices edge higher on hopes for more China stimulus 

Oil Updates — prices edge higher on hopes for more China stimulus 
Updated 26 December 2024
Follow

Oil Updates — prices edge higher on hopes for more China stimulus 

Oil Updates — prices edge higher on hopes for more China stimulus 

TOKYO: Oil prices edged higher on Thursday in thin holiday trading, driven by hopes for additional fiscal stimulus in China, the world’s biggest oil importer, while an anticipated decline in US crude inventories also provided support, according to Reuters. 

Brent crude futures rose 22 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $73.80 a barrel by 07:50 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $70.34 a barrel, up 24 cents, or 0.3 percent, from Tuesday’s pre-Christmas settlement. 

China plans to boost fiscal support for consumption next year by increasing pensions and medical insurance subsidies for residents and expanding trade-ins for consumer goods, according to a finance ministry announcement on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have agreed to issue 3 trillion yuan ($411 billion) worth of special treasury bonds next year, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two sources, as Beijing ramps up fiscal stimulus to revive a faltering economy. 

“Crude oil prices have risen this week, driven by news that Chinese authorities are implementing a record-breaking 3 trillion yuan fiscal stimulus to boost their struggling economy,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova. 

“Additionally, a decrease in US crude oil inventories, which indicates healthy demand, has also supported prices.” 

Satoru Yoshida, a commodity analyst at Rakuten Securities, said expectations of increasing fossil fuel production and demand after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month are also bolstering oil prices. 

An extended Reuters poll showed on Tuesday that crude inventories are expected to have fallen by about 1.9 million barrels in the week to Dec. 20. Gasoline and distillate inventories are seen falling by 1.1 million barrels and 0.3 million barrels, respectively.  

US crude oil and distillate stocks fell last week, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.  

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the US Department of Energy, is due at 9:00 p.m. Saudi time on Friday. 

On the supply side, Libya's National Oil Corp (NOC) said on Wednesday that the country's average crude production in 2024 exceeded its target of around 1.4 million barrels per day. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,892

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,892
Updated 25 December 2024
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,892

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,892
  • Parallel market Nomu gained 86.66 points, or 0.28%, to close at 31,007.06
  • MSCI Tadawul Index lost 3.16 points, or 0.21%, to close at 1,493.74

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Wednesday, losing 21.63 points, or 0.18 percent, to close at 11,892.32.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR2.79 billion ($746 million), as 132 of the stocks advanced and 86 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 86.66 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 31,007.06. This comes as 49 of the listed stocks advanced, while 29 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 3.16 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 1,493.74. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., whose share price surged 8.33 percent to SR0.52. 

Other top performers included Red Sea International Co., whose share price rose 6.32 percent to SR60.60 and Saudi Industrial Development Co., whose share price surged 5.07 percent to SR30.05.

MBC Group Co. recorded the biggest drop, falling 3.31 percent to SR52.50.

Bawan Co. also saw its stock prices fall 3.05 percent to SR54.10.

Savola Group saw its stock prices drop 2.97 percent to SR35.90.

On the announcements front, Saudi Arabian Mining Co., also known as Ma’aden, has announced ‎acquiring a full stake of Mosaic Phosphate in Waad Al-Shamal Phosphate Co. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the financial impact of the acquisition will be reflected in the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending Dec.31.

Ma’aden ended the session at SR49.20, up 0.61 percent.

Kingdom Holding Co. has announced the acquisition of an additional stake in xAI, with a total investment of SR 1.5 billion, as part of xAI’s Series C funding round. 

A bourse filing revealed that the transaction comes after KHC’s previous investment of the same amount in xAI during its Series B funding round. 

The move falls in line with KHC’s strategic collaboration with Elon Musk, and also follows its strategic stake in X, formerly known as Twitter, held since 2015. xAI is an artificial intelligence firm established by Elon Musk and a team of top-notch engineers to build AI to further accelerate human scientific discovery as a whole.

KHC ended the session at SR9.35, up 0.88 percent.

Bank Al-Jazira has announced its intention to issue Additional Tier 1 Sukuk under its SR 5 billion Additional Tier 1 Capital Sukuk Issuance Program by way of private placement in Saudi Arabia. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the bank has mandated Al-Jazira Capital, Al-Rajhi Capital and HSBC Saudi Arabia as joint lead managers and dealers for the potential offer. The filing further revealed that the purpose of the offer is to bolster the capital base of the bank, thereby backing its financial and strategic needs.

Bank Al-Jazira ended the session at SR18.64, up 0.21 percent.

Methanol Chemicals Co. has announced the approval of the Ministry of Energy’s request to renew the allocation of the required feedstock to produce several specialized petrochemical products. 

A bourse filing revealed that this follows the company’s Industrial Plot Allocation Agreement with Jubail and Yanbu Industrial Cities Services Co. in the PlasChem Park in Jubail (2) to establish and operate a Choline Chloride and Methyl Diethanolamine Methane plant.

Methanol Chemicals Co. ended the session at SR18.70, down 0.32 percent.

View United Real Estate Development Co. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Watheeq Capital to establish real estate funds to enhance investment opportunities.

According to a Tadawul statement, it will be valid from the date of its signature for one year, and will not be automatically renewed except by a written agreement signed between the two parties.

View United Real Estate Development Co. ended the session at SR68.50, down 0.70 percent.


MODON inks $453m in private sector deals to expand Saudi industrial cities

MODON inks $453m in private sector deals to expand Saudi industrial cities
Updated 25 December 2024
Follow

MODON inks $453m in private sector deals to expand Saudi industrial cities

MODON inks $453m in private sector deals to expand Saudi industrial cities

JEDDAH: Saudi industrial cities are set for further growth as the sector's authority revealed it has signed 23 development contracts with the private sector, valued at over SR1.7 billion ($453 million). 

The agreements, announced by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, encompass a wide range of projects aimed at boosting industrial capabilities.  

These include the expansion of industrial cities, the construction of ready-made factories, the enhancement of MODON’s safety and security systems, and initiatives aligned with the National Industry Strategy.  

Additionally, the projects will address water and irrigation needs, improve water treatment facilities, upgrade electricity services, and expand road networks. 

MODON’s latest contracts highlight the growing role of the private sector in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize economic diversification, local production, and the creation of an attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investment.  

The projects are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi industrial cities, foster greater investment, and improve operational efficiency for businesses. 

The agreements will also contribute to regional development, improve environmental sustainability, and promote vegetation growth, MODON stated in a post on its X account. 

The development of these projects is in line with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to build a dynamic and innovative economy. 

This move follows a previous round of agreements in July, when MODON signed nine contracts valued at SR1 billion to enhance infrastructure and service facilities across various industrial hubs. Key initiatives from that round included the development of infrastructure in Makkah’s and Jeddah’s industrial cities and the installation of 132-kilovolt overhead power lines in Tabuk’s industrial city. 

Looking ahead, MODON plans further expansion with projects that will improve electrical services, such as the construction of 115-kV overhead power lines in Hafr Al-Batin’s industrial city. The authority is also focusing on enhancing infrastructure networks for the first and second phases of Dammam’s Third Industrial City. 

Since its establishment in 2001, MODON has overseen the development of 36 industrial cities and is responsible for managing both operational and under-construction industrial lands across the Kingdom.  

In the first quarter of 2024, MODON attracted SR3.4 billion in private sector investments, signed 142 new industrial contracts, and registered a total of 6,758 factories. 

As part of its commitment to sustainable growth, MODON also planted over 576,000 trees and finalized 335 logistics contracts, underscoring its broader environmental and economic development objectives.