Most Important News

1. IEA Rules Out Additional Oil Reserve Release;
2. Iran Vows Firmer Response as US Escalates Sanctions;
3. Aramco Signs US$3.7 Billion in French Deals;
4. SAL Unit Secures SAR2.5 Billion Credit Facility;

At the close of 24/08/2026, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) rose by 0.86%, closing at 11174.13 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) was unchanged by 0.0%, closing at 21645.74 points. 

A bond-buying plan and signals of secondary sanctions against Iran pushed oil prices and long-term yields lower, while financial and consumer staples shares lifted the Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) for a second straight session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) rose 0.26% to 53,417.16, the NASDAQ(IXIC.US) fell 0.76% to 25,980.19, and the S&P 500 index(SPX.US) slipped 0.28% to 7,652.86.

IEA Rules Out Additional Oil Reserve Release

The IEA is not discussing another coordinated release from strategic petroleum reserves, Executive Director Fatih Birol said. March’s 400 million-barrel release represented nearly 20% of member inventories, leaving about 80%. Birol also warned that low storage levels and Middle East supply disruptions threaten Europe’s winter gas outlook.

Iran Vows Firmer Response as US Escalates Sanctions

An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader said Tehran would respond more firmly than before to US threats, citing national unity and deterrence in the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an economic offensive targeting Iran’s digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, warning countries maintaining business ties that they could face sanctions. Iran’s parliament speaker dismissed the threat.

KSA Stocks

Aramco Signs US$3.7 Billion in French Deals

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(2222.SA) and Aramco Digital signed agreements and an MoU with French companies potentially worth more than US$3.7 billion, or SAR13.8 billion. The partnerships cover drilling equipment, oil and gas pipes, technology transfer, industrial AI and digital twins, aiming to strengthen supply chains, efficiency and business continuity.

NADEC to Acquire Greenhouse Assets for SAR85 Million

National Agricultural Development Co.(6010.SA) signed a binding agreement to acquire Pure Harvest’s six-hectare, high-tech greenhouse facility in Haradh for SAR85 million. The hydroponic facility, operational since 2022, is expected to transfer in Q4 2026, subject to approvals. NADEC plans to begin operations in Q1 2027, with financial benefits emerging gradually from the second half of 2027.

Arabian Pipes Approves 26% Capital Increase

Arabian Pipes Co.(2200.SA) shareholders approved raising capital to SAR252 million from SAR200 million by capitalizing SAR52 million in retained earnings. The plan includes one bonus share for every four held and 2 million treasury shares for employee incentives. The proposal received 97.45% approval.

SAL Unit Secures SAR2.5 Billion Credit Facility

SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co.(4263.SA) said its subsidiary SAL Zones signed a 15-year, Shariah-compliant credit facility worth SAR2.5 billion with Saudi Awwal Bank. The financing will cover capital and operating expenses for the SAL Logistics Zone project. The facility is backed by a SAL-issued bank guarantee and promissory notes, with no related parties involved.

Al Yamamah Steel Unit Secures SAR500 Million Financing

Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co.(1304.SA) said its reinforcing steel bars subsidiary signed a seven-year, Shariah-compliant credit facility worth SAR500 million with Arab National Bank. Secured by a promissory note, the financing will fund construction of a steel billet manufacturing plant. The company said no related parties were involved.

USA Stocks

Nvidia Ramps Groq Racks as AI Inference Race Intensifies

A NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US) executive said Groq 3 LPX racks have entered full production, commercializing technology from the chipmaker’s largest acquisition. The systems will be deployed alongside Vera CPUs and Rubin GPUs at NEBIUS(NBIS.US) data centers later this year, highlighting growing demand for low-latency AI inference that accelerates agent responses and coding applications.

SpaceX AI Adopts Nvidia Vera CPU for Agentic AI

SpaceX(SPCX.US) will use NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US)’s Vera CPU to accelerate agentic AI workloads. Its Starmind AI satellites will deploy Vera Rubin NVL72 systems, while Groq 3 LPX inference accelerators enter full production. Vera is designed to speed CPU-intensive inference tasks, including tool use, code execution, data processing, orchestration, and simulation.