-- The Tadawul All Share Index extended its losing streak to a fifth day as it closed Thursday 1.20% lower as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz dampened investor sentiment.
The US reportedly blocked at least three Iranian-flagged ships in Asia as part of its blockade plan in the strait, Reuters reported, citing sources. A US source said that the move aims to help ships avoid the mines in the area.
Back at home, Saudi Arabia's merchandise trade surplus increased to 22.95 billion Saudi riyals in February, compared with the prior month's revised 14.0 billion riyals.
Meanwhile, merchandise exports climbed 4.7% year over year in the reporting month, while imports rose 6.6% year over year. The report also affirmed that China was the kingdom's main merchandise trading partner.
"Non-oil exports, including re-exports, recorded an increase of 15.1% compared to February 2025, while national non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, increased by 6.3%. Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 28.5% during the same period, driven by a 59.9% increase in 'Machinery, electrical equipment and parts', which represented 53.9% of total re-export," the report said.
On the corporate front, Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals Factory Co. (SASE:4015), Etihad Etisalat (SASE:7020), d/b/a Mobily, and Sabic Agri-Nutrients (SASE:2020) posted their financial statements for the first quarter of 2026. All three stocks reported higher net profit and revenue.
Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals and Sabic Agri-Nutrients closed 0.26% and 5.05% lower, while Mobily closed flat.