Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
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”
