Riyadh - EcoPulse24

The Saudi main stock index (TASI) posted strong gains on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, rising 1.6% to close at 10,455.14 points in the first trading session after the Capital Market Authority's historic decision to open the main market fully to all categories of foreign investors starting February 1, 2026. This robust performance followed the index's 52-week low of 10,281.49 just a day earlier, highlighting the immediate positive impact on investor sentiment.

The session saw exceptional trading activity: 280.2 million shares changed hands with a total value of SAR 6.02 billion across 478,000 transactions. Out of 266 traded companies, 212 advanced and only 49 declined, indicating widespread gains across sectors. The top-30 index (MT30) outperformed with a 1.76% rise, reflecting strong buying interest in leading blue chips.

Banking Sector Leads Gains on Foreign Inflow Expectations

The banking sector was the primary beneficiary, with SNB (National Commercial Bank) leading major stocks, jumping 5.87% to SAR 40.04 on heavy volume. Al Rajhi Bank topped trading value at SAR 540 million, closing at SAR 99.25. Alinma Bank also posted notable gains with over 11 million shares traded.

The media sector attracted remarkable investor attention: SRMG surged 7.83% to SAR 128, and Al Arabiya rose 7.05% to SAR 119.90. Chubb Insurance and Wataniya Insurance also recorded strong advances, signaling diversified investor interest.

Aramco and Blue Chips Attract Major Liquidity

Saudi Aramco drew significant interest, with 14.1 million shares traded at SAR 23.58. Tadawul Group ranked third by trading value (SAR 411.8 million). Americana and Batic led in volume, with 29.9 million and 20.9 million shares traded, respectively.

On the downside, declines were limited and led by Redan (-3.54%), Bahri (-3.34%), and Shary (-3.03%). The low number and scale of decliners reflect the overall positive momentum, as markets anticipate the new rules' implementation in February.

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Historic Decision Lifts All Restrictions

The Capital Market Authority's decision on January 6, 2026, abolishes the "Qualified Foreign Investor" framework, which required foreign investors to manage or own at least SAR 1.9 billion in assets. Under the new rules, any foreign investor - individual or institutional - can invest directly in the main market without qualification barriers from February 1, 2026.

The new regulations also eliminate swap agreements, allowing foreigners to own shares directly and enjoy full shareholder rights, including voting and attending general meetings. This move aims to transform the Saudi market into a global financial hub in line with Vision 2030 and is expected to significantly boost foreign investment inflows, which reached SAR 519 billion by Q3 2025, up from SAR 498 billion at end-2024.