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Saudi Nationals Dominate Market Trades in December

The percentage share of Saudi nationals from market trades was 93.5 per cent for selling (SR71.45 billion) and 92.2 per cent for buying (SR70.43 billion).

The report said that the percentage share of Saudi companies from market trades was 1.8 per cent for selling (SR1.34 billion) and 3.4 per cent for buying (SR2.59 billion). The percentage share of investment funds from market trades was one per cent for selling (SR776.06 million) and 1.3 per cent for buying (SR971.07 million).

The percentage share of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals from market trades was 1.6 per cent for selling (SR1.24 billion) and 1.1 per cent for buying (SR847.02 million). The percentage share of Arab residents in Saudi Arabia from market trades was 1.9 per cent for selling (SR1.47 billion) and 1.9 per cent for buying (SR1.45 billion). The percentage share of other foreigners in Saudi Arabia from market trades was 0.2 per cent for selling (SR124.13 million) and 0.1 per cent for buying (SR109.45 million).

In the first four trading days of the year, the Saudi stock market continued its upward trend. The TASI, which closed at 4,802.99 points on December 31, 2008, surged over 10 per cent in four days. On Tuesday, the index closed 109.38 points or 2.11 per cent higher at 5,289.73 points.

Over 80 companies were in positive territory, while 34 firms were in the red. The value of traded shares was over SR7.47 billion.

The BMG Saudi Index, which comprises the top 30 active companies in Saudi Arabia based on their market capitalisation after removing government ownership, moved ahead by 2.6 per cent in Tuesday’s session, gaining 6.63 points to close at 264.15.

However, the total turnover depreciated slightly by 2.7 per cent to SR5.2 billion compared to the SR5.4 billion reached in Monday’s session. The total number of shares traded also went up by 0.2 per cent to 310.9 million shares versus 310.4 million shares in the previous session.

The best performer was the insurance sector, which appreciated by a strong 9.9 per cent. The banking sector came in next, increasing by 3.7 per cent. The industrial sector gained 2.6 per cent. The leading share, Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), ascended by 1.7 per cent to close at SR59.25, recording the highest turnover in the session of SR592.3 million.