Most Important News

1. Trump Announces Tariffs on European Nations Opposing Greenland Acquisition;
2. Almarai Reports 6% Profit Growth in 2025;
3. Micron Expands Memory Footprint With $1.8 Billion Deal;

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's benchmark index Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA)  dropped 1.2%, snapping a six-day winning streak, with Al Rajhi Bank(1120.SA)  losing 1.6%.

However, broadened foreign participation rules triggered the recent rebound, additional market reforms could translate into increased foreign inflows, while new state-owned firms' IPOs could draw new investments, said George Pavel, general manager at Naga.com Middle East.

Among other losers, oil behemoth Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(2222.SA)  eased 0.7%.

The S&P 500 index(SPX.US)  ended Friday just below the flatline and posted a losing week as traders weighed the latest comments made by President Donald Trump related to the Federal Reserve and geopolitics.

The broad market index slipped 0.06% and closed at 6,940.01. The NASDAQ(IXIC.US)  inched down 0.06% to settle at 23,515.39. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US)  fell 83.11 points, or 0.17%, to end at 49,359.33.

Fitch Affirms Saudi Arabia at 'A+' with Stable Outlook

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Saudi Arabia's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at 'A+' with a Stable Outlook. The rating reflects the kingdom's robust fiscal and external balance sheets, with government debt-to-GDP and sovereign net foreign assets significantly stronger than 'A' and 'AA' peer medians. Substantial fiscal buffers in the form of deposits and other public sector assets also support the rating.

Gold Prices Fall Friday but Secure Weekly Gain

Gold prices edged lower on Friday as investors engaged in profit-taking and geopolitical tensions showed signs of easing. Despite the daily decline, the precious metal recorded a weekly increase. The most-active gold futures contract settled at $4,595.40 per ounce, marking a weekly gain of approximately 2%.

Trump Announces Tariffs on European Nations Opposing Greenland Acquisition

President Donald Trump has announced 10 percent tariffs on eight European nations that have sided with Denmark in the dispute over control of Greenland. The President posted a lengthy message on Truth Social outlining new U.S. tariff plans tied to Greenland and global security. Trump named Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.

KSA Stocks

Saudi Re Gains Approval for Branch in India's GIFT City

Saudi Reinsurance Co.(8200.SA)  has secured regulatory approvals from both Saudi and Indian authorities to open a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India. Having operated in the Indian market for over a decade from its Riyadh headquarters, the move aims to strengthen its presence in a key market outside Saudi Arabia.

Almarai Reports 6% Profit Growth in 2025

Almarai Co.(2280.SA)  announced a 6% year-on-year increase in its net profit for 2025, reaching 2.45 billion Saudi riyals (SAR). The company's fourth-quarter net profit was reported as SAR 464.8 million.

Riyad Bank Plans Full Redemption of SAR 3 Billion Sukuk

Riyad Bank(1010.SA)  has announced its intention to fully redeem 3 billion Saudi riyals (SAR) worth of its Tier 2 sukuk at their par value. The sukuk, due in 2031, are set to be redeemed on February 9, 2026, which marks the end of their fifth year.

USA Stocks

Micron Expands Memory Footprint With $1.8 Billion Deal

Micron Technology, Inc.(MU.US)  on Saturday signed a deal to buy a major semiconductor plant in Taiwan, China for $1.8 billion. The move, which marks a big step in Micron’s plan to expand global memory production, closely follows the tech giant’s plan, where it said that it will break ground on its $100 billion memory manufacturing complex in Onondaga County, New York.

Musk Sues OpenAI and Microsoft, Seeking Up to $134 Billion in Damages

Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft Corporation(MSFT.US) , demanding $79 billion to $134 billion in compensation. The billionaire accuses OpenAI of committing fraud by abandoning its original non-profit mission and partnering with Microsoft. Both OpenAI and Microsoft have since responded to the allegations.

Tesla Nears Completion of AI5 Chip Design, Starts Developing AI6

Elon Musk announced that Tesla Motors, Inc.(TSLA.US)  has largely completed the design of its AI5 chip for its Full Self-Driving system and is now in the early stages of developing the next-generation AI6. The CEO stated that the company aims for a 9-month design cycle for future AI chip iterations.