Tadawul Shares End Week Lower; Saudi Arabia's July Construction Activity Ticks Down
Saudi equities closed the first trading week of August lower as investors tuned into the latest updates on the US-Iran conflict, as well as Saudi's latest economic release.At the close of Thursday trading, the Tadawul All Share Index closed 0.70% in the red. Out of the listed stocks, 63 closed higher, while 196 closed lower.In international news, Iran reportedly sent out warnings to Gulf region states regarding potential attacks if the US launched new attacks on the country, Reuters reported, citing sources.Further to this, Iran said that its proposed agreement with Oman regarding the operations of the Strait of Hormuz was progressing. Sources said that the agreement will reportedly give Iran control over ships that enter the Strait of Hormuz.Back at home, the seasonally adjusted alrajhi capital Saudi Construction Index declined to 55.2 in July from 56.3 in the prior month. The report from Alrajhi Capital and S&P Global showed that the month logged the country's fastest new order growth since February."The alrajhi capital Saudi Construction Index signalled another strong month for the Saudi construction sector in July, with business activity expanding for a third consecutive month. The improvement was supported by stronger new order growth, reflecting continued demand across the sector and the reactivation of previously delayed projects. While input costs continued to rise, cost pressures eased during the month," Alrajhi Capital Research Head Sultan Altowaim commented.On the corporate front, Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (SASE:2222), d/b/a Saudi Aramco's, shares ticked down 0.90% as it lowered certain main crude oil prices for North American, North West European, and Mediterranean buyers in September.Meanwhile, Saudi Steel Pipe Co. (SASE:1320) and Riyadh Cement Co. (SASE:3092) reported lower net profit and revenue in the first half of 2026. Saudi Steel closed 2.86% lower, while Riyadh Cement shares were 1.72% higher.
