RIYADH: The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) main index ended trading higher on Tuesday, rising 76.83 points to close at 10,565.74 points. The total value of shares traded reached approximately $1.52 billion, with around 250 million shares changing hands.
In contrast, the Saudi Parallel Market Index (Nomu) finished lower, dropping 235.59 points to close at 22,297.31 points, with a trading value of about $4 million, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
Market analysts noted that the gains on the main index were driven by strong performances in the energy and banking sectors, reflecting investor confidence despite ongoing regional geopolitical tensions.
Trading activity remained robust, signaling continued interest from both local and international investors.
Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, which could influence market sentiment in the coming sessions.
International markets are in turmoil following the escalating and expanding Iran-US/Israeli military conflict, which triggered immediate supply shocks and caused global crude and gas prices to surge.
The crisis has also led to unprecedented spikes in UK gas prices, which climbed nearly 93 per cent on the wholesale market over the past week, according to the BBC.
QatarEnergy, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, confirmed a halt to liquefied natural gas production at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities following Iranian retaliatory attacks.
