Most Important News

1. Oil Surges, Stock Futures Slide after Trump Warns War Continues For Weeks
2. Cherry CEO AlSowail Resigns Leadership Role
3. Intel Regains Total Irish Factory Control

At the close of 1/4/2026, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) increased by 0.23%, closing at 11275.90 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) lost by 0.69%, closing at 22548.18 points.

U.S. stock futures fell on Thursday morning after President Donald Trump indicated that the Iran war would continue.

S&P 500 futures declined 1.26%, and Nasdaq 100 futures lost 1.63%. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 507 points, or about 1.08%.

Trump delivered an address Wednesday night, providing updates on the Middle East conflict. Though he said that the U.S. is “getting very close” to ending the Iran war, Trump added that the nation would “hit” Tehran “extremely hard.”

“Over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong,” the president said.

Stock futures slid during the speech, and oil prices surged. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were last up 3.5% at more than $103 a barrel, while Brent crude futures advanced more than 4% to top $105. At one point in the evening, Brent briefly hit $106 a barrel.

All three major indexes advanced in regular trading Wednesday, as investors became more optimistic that the end of the U.S.-Iran war was in sight. The S&P 500 index(SPX.US) and NASDAQ(IXIC.US) respectively gained 0.72% and 1.16%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) rose 224.23 points, or 0.48%.

Trump Signals Impending Iran Military Strike

US President Donald Trump warned of "extremely violent" strikes against Iran within three weeks, causing Brent crude to surge 5% to $105 per barrel. Global markets tumbled as the "TACO" dip-buying strategy failed, with the South Korean Kospi falling nearly 5%. Investors now anticipate sustained energy-driven inflation, reducing the likelihood of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts amid heightened geopolitical volatility.

IEA Warns Oil Crisis Intensifies April

International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol stated the oil supply crisis will escalate throughout April 2026. Following the Iran conflict, the IEA is considering a strategic petroleum reserve release to address the growing shortfall. This measure aims to stabilize global markets as geopolitical tensions continue to threaten core energy distribution networks.

KSA Stocks

Cherry CEO AlSowail Resigns Leadership Role

Cherry Trading Co.(4265.SA) announced that CEO and executive board member Abdulaziz Saleh AlSowail resigned on April 1, 2026, for personal reasons. The departure becomes effective May 31, 2026, concluding his board membership which started in late 2024. The company has thanked AlSowail for his contributions while moving to initiate a leadership transition process to replace the outgoing executive.

Kingdom Holding Secures 30% Acquisition Discount

Kingdom Holding Co.(4280.SA) acquired a stake in Breakthrough Energy Ventures from Chairman Prince Alwaleed for $68 million. The transaction reflects a 30% discount against the asset's $98 million audited valuation. By integrating this Bill Gates-founded sustainability venture, the company aims to provide shareholders access to transformative clean-energy technologies as part of its long-term strategic investment portfolio expansion.

CMA Approves FMCO 30% Public Offering

The CMA approved Facilities Investment Management Co.’s application to offer 42 million shares, representing 30% of its SAR 140 million capital. The IPO enables the Dammam-based firm to transition from its closed joint-stock structure. FMCO must complete the listing within six months to enhance operational sustainability and drive expansion in the integrated facilities management sector.

USA Stocks

Space Sector Gains Following Lunar Launch

Planet Labs PBC(PL.US) rose nearly 10% and Boeing Company(BA.US) climbed over 4% following NASA’s successful Artemis 2 launch on April 1, 2026. The SLS rocket mission marks the first crewed lunar flight since 1972. This milestone validates deep-space infrastructure, driving immediate capital into the space sector as companies target sustained lunar and commercial exploration.

Intel Regains Total Irish Factory Control

Intel Corporation(INTC.US) agreed to buy back Apollo Global Management’s 49% stake in its Irish Fab 34 facility for $14.2 billion. This transaction terminates the 2024 joint venture, funded by cash and $6.5 billion in new debt. Reclaiming these assets is expected to strengthen Intel's credit profile and contribute to earnings per share starting in 2027.

Globalstar Soars 15% after Amazon Proposes Acquisition

Amazon.com, Inc.(AMZN.US) is in discussions to acquire Globalstar, Inc.(GSAT.US) for a reported $9 billion to bolster its low-orbit satellite capabilities. The strategic expansion aims to challenge SpaceX's Starlink dominance in the space internet sector. However, the transaction remains complicated by Apple Inc.(AAPL.US) and its 20% ownership stake, requiring tri-party negotiations before any deal can be finalized. Globalstar, Inc.(GSAT.US) surges more than 15% after-hours.

SpaceX Targets July For Historic Listing

SpaceX reportedly filed a confidential IPO application with the SEC, targeting a valuation of $1.75 trillion. The aerospace leader aims to raise $40 billion to $80 billion to support its launch and satellite operations. If successful, the company could list by July 2026, marking a historic milestone that would shatter previous records for global public offerings.