Saudi Arabia’s stock index rose 8.5% in January, supported by strong corporate profits and growing investor confidence, according to a report by the Kuwait Financial Center (Markaz).
The report said strong financial results for major blue-chip stocks and announcements of market access for all foreign investors increased investor optimism and drove stock market growth.
Saudi National Bank soared 18.4% in January after its 2025 net profit rose 18% from a year earlier. Al Rajhi Bank reported a 25.7% year-on-year increase in net profit last year, rising 9.9%. Mining giant Marden rose 26.8% after discovering 7.8 million ounces of gold at four key sites.
Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) rose 7.9% last month, continuing its strong momentum from 2025.
The Dubai stock index rose 6.4%, helped by a 6.8% monthly rise in flag bearer Emaar Properties. The Abu Dhabi index rose 2.9%, supported by blue chips. First Abu Dhabi Bank rose 6.7% as its 2025 net profit rose 24% year-on-year.
However, Kuwait’s stock market fell 3.8% in January amid expectations of profit-taking following strong performance in 2025.
Global markets remained strong in January, supported by continued capital inflows and strong investor demand for safe-haven assets such as gold.
MSCI World and S&P 500 rose 2.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The report said the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.2% during the month, supported by Chinese stocks, while emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, rose 8.8%.
(Edited by Seban Scaria seban.scaria@lseg.com)
