Most Important News

1. PIF Approves 2026-2030 National Growth Strategy
2. Jarir Q1 Net Profit Soars 17%
3. Allbirds Intraday Soars 800% On AI Pivot

At the close of April 15, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) increased by 0.90%, closing at 11589.05 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) rose by 0.51%, closing at 23080.76 points.

U.S. stock futures were little changed early Thursday after both the S&P 500 index(SPX.US) and NASDAQ(IXIC.US) rose to fresh records during the regular session.

S&P 500 futures rose 0.15%, while Nasdaq 100 futures added 0.29%. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) rose by 48 points, or 0.1%.

In the regular session, the S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq rose to new all-time highs and closed at new records. The broad market index advanced 0.80%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.59% to post its 11th straight gain in a row. The blue-chip Dow bucked the trend, losing 72.27 points, or 0.15%.

Stocks have risen in recent days on the possibility of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. President Donald Trump said in a Fox Business interview that aired on Wednesday that the Iran war is “very close to over,” claiming once again that Tehran wants to “make a deal very badly.”

PIF Approves 2026-2030 National Growth Strategy

PIF approved its 2026-2030 strategy after growing assets from $150 billion to over $900 billion since 2015. The plan structures investments into Vision, Strategic, and Financial portfolios to deepen cross-sector integration and maximize asset value. Targeting six ecosystems: tourism, travel, and entertainment; real estate and urban development; advanced industries and innovation; industry and logistics services; clean and renewable energy and water infrastructure; and NEOM. PIF aims to sustain its 7% annualized return while advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation through 2030.

Giga Projects Fuel PIF Economic Growth

Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan confirmed the PIF 2026–2030 strategy approval, noting that assets under management soared sixfold in less than a decade. The fund launched unprecedented giga projects and targeted sectors like artificial intelligence and renewable energy to support Vision 2030. The new roadmap aims to scale national champions globally and invites international partners to invest in high-quality Saudi ecosystems.

Trump Targets Iran Deal Before April

US President Trump announced a potential agreement with Iran before the UK King’s April 27 visit. Both nations are considering a two-week ceasefire extension to facilitate peace talks via Pakistani mediation. While Iran proposes conditional Hormuz Strait passage, it currently rejects total acceptance of US terms pending further internal evaluation.

KSA Stocks

Jarir Q1 Net Profit Soars 17%

Jarir Marketing Co.(4190.SA) reported Q1 2026 net profit of SAR 253.5 million, up 16.7% year-over-year, as revenues soared to SAR 3,038.5 million. The increase stemmed from higher smartphone sales and the opening of two new showrooms in Madinah and Al-Baha. However, comprehensive income was reduced by foreign exchange losses originating from its Egyptian subsidiary.

Cherry Trading Signs SFDA SAR 30M Contract

Cherry Trading Co.(4265.SA) finalized a SAR 30,168,801 vehicle leasing contract with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority on April 15, 2026. The 36-month agreement facilitates the leasing of 275 vehicles to meet the authority's logistical requirements. Financial impacts from this contract are expected to manifest during the third quarter of 2026.

Almarai Signs Deal Localizing Seafood Processing

Almarai Co.(2280.SA) signed two agreements with the Ministry of Investment and Shareek on April 15, 2026, to localize seafood processing. The eligibility for these enablement programs extends through December 31, 2030, supporting the company's protein diversification strategy. While aligning with national food security goals, there is currently no material financial impact on Almarai's existing operations.

Chubb Arabia Skips 2025 Cash Dividends

CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co.(8240.SA) announced on April 15, 2026, that its board recommended zero cash dividends for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The decision aims to preserve the solvency margin and support future business growth. The recommendation now awaits final approval at the upcoming General Assembly meeting.

Al Yamamah Q2 Earnings Expect Project Boost

Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co.(1304.SA) finalized a SAR 126,000,000 contract with SEPCOIII on April 15, 2026, to supply steel wind towers for the Yanbu Wind farm. The nine-month agreement marks a strategic shift toward renewable infrastructure. Financial impacts will manifest starting Q2 2026 as supply operations begin this April.

USA Stocks

Tesla A15 AI Chip Tapes Out

Tesla Motors, Inc.(TSLA.US) surged 7.62% following the successful tape-out of its custom A15 AI inference chip. Designed for Dojo clusters and FSD platforms, the hardware reduces reliance on external suppliers while enhancing autonomous driving capabilities. Elon Musk predicts the A15 will become a top-volume global AI chip, providing essential compute for upcoming Optimus robot production.

Allbirds Intraday Soars 800% On AI Pivot

Allbirds, Inc. Class A(BIRD.US) announced a pivot to AI compute infrastructure, triggering an 800% intraday stock surge. Rebranding as NewBird AI, the company secured a $50 million funding agreement to acquire high-performance GPU hardware. This Q2 transition targets the GPUaaS market, offering low-latency cloud solutions to underserved hyperscaler clients.

Nuclear Quantum Sectors Extend Recent Gains

D-Wave Quantum(QBTS.US) soared 22.63% and NuScale Power(SMR.US) soared 14.24% as nuclear and quantum sectors extended their rally on April 16, 2026. IonQ, Inc.(IONQ.US) also soared 20.95%, while Oklo Inc. Class A(OKLO.US) and Energy Fuels Inc.(UUUU.US) surged 8% and 7.47% respectively. Rising AI infrastructure energy demands drive this trend, signaling a strategic convergence between advanced computing and carbon-free power sources.