Economy
Saudi Stocks Surge as Investors Prepare for MSCI Inclusion

(Bloomberg) – Shares in Saudi Arabia surged at the close as MSCI Inc. was set to begin including some of the kingdom’s shares into its main emerging-market index.
The Tadawul All Share Index rose 2% on the day, after fluctuating throughout the session, with banks contributing the most to the increase. The Tadawul trimmed this month’s losses to 8%. MSCI is set to add the kingdom to its developing country benchmark, using Tuesday’s closing prices.
Saudi Basic Industries Corp., Al Rajhi Bank, National Commercial Bank, Saudi Telecom Co. and Samba Financial Group are expected to draw the most inflows from the first stage of the MSCI inclusion. Together, they should attract about $3.5 billion from money managers passively tracking the index, according to estimates by Mohamad Al Hajj, equities strategist at EFG-Hermes in Dubai.
Saudi shares have outperformed peers in developing economies since MSCI announced in June 2017 that it was evaluating an eventual inclusion of the country in its emerging-market category, which has about $1.8 trillion in assets benchmarked to the gauge. The decision was confirmed last year. The addition will take place in two stages, with the first phase following today’s close, the second in August.
But the Saudi benchmark lost ground this month, as rekindled political tensions may have “spooked” some investors in the Saudi market, Ahmed Badr, head of equities for the Middle East, North Africa at Credit Suisse in Dubai.
-
Banking & Finance1 week ago
Oman Arab Bank Announces Increase of Authorised Capital to RO500mn and Paid‑In Capital Boost of RO50mn
-
Renewables1 month ago
Jindal Renewables and OQ Alternative Energy Sign Joint Development Agreement to Advance Integrated Renewable Power Projects in Oman
-
Bahrain6 days ago
SPIEF 2025 focused on global and regional economic processes, market transformation, new tech, investment climate, financial policy and people
-
Alamaliktistaad Magazines1 month ago
Al-Iktisaad, May 25
-
Leaders Speak2 months ago
OERLive SPOTLIGHT: Oman Sustainability Week 2025 and Oman Petroleum & Energy Show
-
OER Magazines1 month ago
OER, May 2025
-
Business2 months ago
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025 unveils its Business Programme
-
Banking & Finance2 months ago
Alizz Islamic Bank Partners with Al Tawasul Institute for Specialised Training Programme to Empower Job Seekers with Hearing Impairments
You must be logged in to post a comment Login