Most Important News

1. Cenomi Centers FY25 Net Profit Rises
2. Aramco Share Target Surges 6% Higher
3. Apple Stock Rises Against Tech Weakness

At the close of 26/3/2026, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) increased by 0.09%, closing at 11090.33 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) rose by 0.74%, closing at 22719.17 points.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) tumbled on Friday and fell into correction territory, while Brent topped $110 after incidents in the Strait of Hormuz exacerbated investors’ energy supply concerns and President Donald Trump’s latest comments failed to encourage traders to scoop up shares.

The 30-stock Dow fell 793.47 points, or 1.73%, to close at 45,166.64. The S&P 500 index(SPX.US) lost 1.67% and ended the session at a seven-month low of 6,368.85. The NASDAQ(IXIC.US) dropped 2.15% and settled at 20,948.36.

The broad market index notched its fifth straight weekly decline, dropping 2.1% in the period. The tech-heavy Nasdaq slid 3.2% week to date, while the blue-chip Dow retreated 0.9% for the week.

Al-Jasser Launches New GCC Logistics Package

Saudi Minister Saleh Al-Jasser launched logistics initiatives including extending truck lifespans to 22 years and creating redistribution zones at King Abdulaziz Port. These measures aim to integrate GCC supply chains while exempting regional imports from storage fees for 60 days. The strategy reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global hub by streamlining cross-border container movement.

Goldman Recommends Increasing Tactical Cash Holdings

Goldman Sachs warned that downside risks dominate global markets as the Iran conflict triggers a massive oil supply shock. The firm halved 2026 Eurozone GDP forecasts and noted NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US) valuation is currently converging with Exxon Mobil Corporation(XOM.US). Analysts advise simplifying exposure and increasing tactical cash holdings to prepare for heightened tail risks as geopolitical tensions persist.

KSA Stocks

Cenomi Centers Net Profit Rises

Arabian Centres Co.(4321.SA) reported a 4.1% increase in annual net profit to SAR 1,266.9 million for FY-25, despite revenue falling 2.4% to SAR 2,288.3 million. Earnings were bolstered by asset sales and a 5.5% like-for-like revenue increase as footfall hit 126.8 million visitors. The company now faces litigation from Dhahran Mall’s owner while completing two flagship Westfield projects.

ACWA Power Appoints New Independent Director

ACWA POWER Co.(2082.SA) appointed HH. Sultan bin Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud as an independent director following Khaled Saleh Alkhattaf's resignation on March 26, 2026. Alkhattaf departed to pursue other commitments. The SIDF CEO joins to complete the term ending January 4, 2029, maintaining the company's independent governance oversight.

Aramco Share Target Surges 6% Higher

Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(2222.SA) is projected to earn 368 billion SAR in 2026 as higher oil prices offset production drops from 10.9 mbpd to nearly 8 mbpd. BSF Capital raised its Brent forecast by 25% to 79 per barrel, citing tighter near-term balances and grade constraints. The brokerage maintained a Buy rating with a 28.6 SAR target price, expecting price gains to stabilize earnings.

Saudi Paper Proposes 2025 Cash Dividend

Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co.(2300.SA) recommended distributing 18,477,106 SAR in cash dividends for 2025, totaling 0.5 SAR per share. This 5% par value payout follows recent board approval to reward the firm's 36,954,212 eligible shares. Distributions depend on a future General Assembly vote, while non-resident investors remain subject to a mandatory 5% withholding tax.

USA Stocks

VIX Fear Gauge Surges Past 30

S&P 500 index(SPX.US) Index fell 1.7% to finish below 6400, while major benchmarks entered a formal 10% correction phase. The CBOE Volatility Index surged to 31.05, its highest level since April 2024, as negative gamma positioning amplified intraday volatility. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. warns that technical breakdowns now target the 6300 support level as geopolitical instability suppresses fundamental market recovery.

Apple Stock Rises Against Tech Weakness

Meta Platforms(META.US) led the Magnificent Seven's weekly decline with an 11.44% plunge, while Alphabet Inc. Class C(GOOG.US) and Microsoft Corporation(MSFT.US) tumbled 8.86% and 6.57% respectively. Heightened geopolitical risks and rising volatility pushed NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US), Amazon.com, Inc.(AMZN.US), and Tesla Motors, Inc.(TSLA.US) lower by up to 3%. Conversely, Apple Inc.(AAPL.US) rose 0.33%, remaining the sole gainer as the broader Nasdaq entered a formal correction.

Carnival Corporation(CCL.US) fell 4.3% after cutting its annual profit forecast, causing Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(NCLH.US) to tumble 6.9%.