U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
The Saudi stock market closed higher on Sunday, with the Tadawul All Share Index advancing 0.20%, reflecting steady momentum despite global economic headwinds. Gains in the investment and chemicals sectors fueled the upward trend, while certain stocks suffered sharp losses amid volatile trading.
Top Performers and Rising Sectors
Al Baha Investment and Development Company SJSC emerged as the session’s standout performer, surging 10.00% to close at 0.33 points. The investment firm’s impressive performance underscores investor optimism about its potential recovery amid ongoing strategic realignments.
MBC Group CJSC also delivered strong results, gaining 5.31% to end at 57.50 points, followed by Saudi Chemical Company, which climbed 4.90% to 10.28 points. The robust performance of these stocks highlights the resilience of the investment and chemical sectors in Saudi Arabia’s diverse economic landscape.
Meanwhile, 217 stocks advanced on the Saudi Stock Exchange, far outpacing the 97 that declined. Twenty-three stocks ended unchanged, further reflecting a positive market sentiment.
Key Losers in a Mixed Market
Despite the overall gains, several stocks faced notable declines. Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh saw the steepest drop, falling 3.81% to close at 68.20 points. Similarly, the National Company for Learning and Education SJSC declined 3.67% to end at 230.80 points, while Bawan lost 2.92%, closing at 48.15 points.
The divergence between top gainers and laggards illustrates the mixed performance across various sectors, a recurring theme in volatile markets.
Commodities and Currency Trends
While the Saudi stock market gained, crude oil prices continued their decline. January delivery crude fell 1.61% to $67.20 a barrel, and February Brent oil dropped 1.35% to $71.12 a barrel. In contrast, gold futures rose 0.42% to $2,659.60 a troy ounce, driven by safe-haven demand amid economic uncertainty.
Currency markets showed minimal movement, with the USD/SAR exchange rate holding steady at 3.76. However, the euro weakened against the Saudi riyal, with EUR/SAR down 0.25% to 3.97.
Public Reactions Reflect Mixed Sentiment
Saudi Arabia’s market performance sparked a lively debate on social media, highlighting both optimism and concern:
- @InvestGulf: “Al Baha’s surge is remarkable! But what’s behind Dr. Fakeeh’s sharp decline? #TadawulAllShare”
- @MiddleEastMarket: “MBC Group is solidifying its position. A great day for Saudi stocks despite oil’s slide. #SaudiStocks”
- @OilWatcher: “Oil prices down again, but Saudi stocks still gaining. Is this a new trend? #Commodities”
- @GlobalTrader2024: “Gold up, oil down—investors clearly hedging their bets. Watch Saudi Chemical’s next move. #GoldVsOil”
- @FinanceVision: “Dr. Fakeeh’s loss was a surprise. Are investors overreacting, or is there more to it? #StockWatch”
- @ArabiaBusiness: “The Tadawul’s resilience is impressive, but key sectors need more stability. #MarketInsights”
