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Saudi Equities End Week Lower; Lebanon, Israel Agree to Ceasefire Deal

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The Tadawul Share All Share Index closed out the week lower at 0.11% in the red on Thursday as investors digested the latest updates on the Middle Eastern conflict.

Lebanon and Israel agreed to a new ceasefire deal that was mediated by the US, Reuters reported. The new agreement is set to take effect within 24 hours. However, Israel said that it will continue its attacks on Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon, with the strikes in the Southern region of the country resulting in one fatality.

Against this backdrop, the US House of Representatives voted for a war powers resolution that would potentially block President Donald Trump from continuing the conflict with Iran. The resolution will now be passed by the Senate, which must also approve the legislation.

"There was little clarity from Trump himself, who said the negotiations could complete over the weekend but could go on another two, three weeks. So tensions seemed to be ratcheting up again, and hopes for a durable peace deal continued to decline. Meanwhile, CNN reported yesterday that one of the key sticking points was monetary compensation for Iran. Otherwise, the US House of Representatives did vote against the Iran war in a 215-208 vote yesterday, after four Republicans joined with the Democrats. But in practice that won't end the military conflict, as the Senate would also need to pass it, and Trump could issue a veto as well," Deutsche Bank Research said in a note.

Back at home, Saudi Vitrified Clay Pipes (SASE:2360) ticked down 0.81% as it entered into a 15-month deal to supply vitrified clay pipes, fittings, and accessories for a sewage networks project. The equipment will be used for the second phase of the Sabya Villages project.

Meanwhile, the board of Marketing Home Group for Trading Co. (SASE:4194), d/b/a Build Station, resolved to distribute a dividend of 2.25 Saudi riyals per share for the first quarter. It will pay the dividend on June 16 to shareholders on record as of June 8. Shares of the trade and development company surged 9.98% at closing.

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