At the close of Aug 6, 2026, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) decreased by 0.70%, closing at 10811.57 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) decreased by 0.45%, closing at 22027.78 points.

The S&P 500 index(SPX.US) rose on Friday as traders interpreted an unexpected loss of jobs in July as meaning the Federal Reserve won’t need to raise interest rates soon and can leave monetary policy on hold for now.

The broad market index advanced 0.62% for a record close of 7,757.64, while the NASDAQ(IXIC.US) Composite outperformed, climbing 1.3% to 26,690.62. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) added 151.83 points, or 0.28%, to end at 54,036.93.

Stocks posted a second straight week of gains. The S&P 500 — which closed above 7,700 for the first time ever earlier this week — advanced 3.6% in the period. The Nasdaq saw a gain of 5.2%, thanks to a bounce-back in chip stocks. The (PHLX Sox Semiconductor Sector Ishares(SOXX.US) ended the week up more than 7%. The Dow, on the other hand, gained nearly 3% during the week. All three indexes notched their best weekly performances since April.

July’s nonfarm payrolls report showed a drop of 23,000 jobs, while economists polled by Dow Jones had forecast a gain of 83,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% as the labor force participation rate fell to its lowest level in more than five years. Economists had expected it to remain unchanged at 4.2%.

A majority of fed funds futures traders now expect that the central bank will hold its benchmark lending rate at the current 3.50% to 3.75% at the next policy meeting in September, per the CME FedWatch tool. Just a day ago, traders were pricing in a 55% chance of a quarter-point hike.

“For the job market this is a number that’s not booming and may actually be breaking, but for the markets the two biggest areas of concern were yields and inflation,” Saira Malik, Nuveen chief investment officer, said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “This lower number helps not reinforce the Fed’s narrative that they need to raise interest rates.”

Software stocks helped lead the market higher Friday as the latest round of earnings dispelled fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt the industry. Cloudflare(NET.US) popped more than 5% after the cloud cybersecurity company issued a solid full-year and current-quarter outlook. Shares of Atlassian(TEAM.US) jumped 35% after the company’s fourth-quarter adjusted earnings and revenue surpassed expectations and issued upbeat guidance.

Airbnb, Inc.(ABNB.US) shares also rallied 17% after the vacation rental company posted a beat on the top and bottom lines.

Oil prices, meanwhile, were slightly higher as investors awaited a potential deal from the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

West Texas Intermediate futures for September delivery were up 1.15%, settling at $78.18 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed 1.29% to settle at $83.55.

“The conclusion is that a resolution will be forthcoming in the not too distant future, and if those conditions change, then you’re going to see angst crawl back into the market,” said Terry Sandven, U.S. Bank Asset Management’s chief equity strategist. “But at present, the wall of worry is crumbling.”

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Saudi Arabia Enacts SEZ Substance Rules

Saudi Arabia published new Regulations on Economic Substance Requirements for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), effective immediately upon publication. Under the rules, licensed entities across designated zones—including King Abdullah Economic City, Ras Al-Khair, Jazan, and Cloud Computing and Informatics—must meet annual substance criteria. Entities are required to maintain adequate premises, employ sufficient full-time staff present in the zone, incur commensurate operating expenses, and direct and manage qualifying activities from within the zone starting from their first operational fiscal year.

IRGC Ties Hormuz Reopening to US Terms

US Vice President JD Vance stated Iran informed Washington it has no plans to levy tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, adding the US expects Gulf energy exports to return to pre-war levels while verifying actions. Meanwhile, an IRGC spokesperson asserted that reopening the waterway depends entirely on full US acceptance of Iranian terms, regardless of ongoing Iran-Oman talks.

KSA Stocks

SIDC Considers Full Acquisition Target

Saudi Industrial Development Co.(2130.SA) (SIDC) signed a 90-day non-binding memorandum of understanding with Sudom Investment Company and Mohammed A ALSwailm Holding Company to consider acquiring the entire share capital of Industrial Production Services Company. The target firm operates in the construction and building sector. SIDC stated the step supports its strategy to diversify revenue streams into promising new growth areas.

Sport Clubs to Buy 1.45M Shares

Sport Clubs Co.(6018.SA) announced its board recommended buying back up to 1,450,000 ordinary shares to allocate to an employee stock incentive plan. The transaction will be funded from the company's own resources and requires approval from the Extraordinary General Assembly. The purchased treasury shares will not carry voting rights or receive dividend distributions while held.

Budget Saudi Q2 Net Profit Rises 9%

United International Transportation Co.(4260.SA) reported a 9.06% year-on-year increase in Q2 2026 net profit to SAR 93.38 million, while revenue rose 17.22% to SAR 638.45 million on higher used car sales volume. Earnings were supported by a non-recurring SAR 25 million settlement income related to its AutoWorld acquisition. For H1 2026, net profit fell 24.08% to SAR 127.84 million due to lower short-term rental utilization, higher insurance costs, and increased provisions.

Jarir Expects 48M Showroom Impact in Q3

Jarir Marketing Co.(4190.SA) opened a new 4,432-square-meter showroom in Arar, representing an investment of SAR 48 million. The location marks Jarir's 68th store in Saudi Arabia and 79th overall globally, as well as its fourth opening of 2026. The financial impact of the new location will begin showing in Q3 2026 results.

Abo Moati Q1 Net Profit Drops 23%

Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co.(4191.SA) reported a 22.67% year-on-year decrease in Q1 2026 net profit to SAR 4.23 million, as sales fell 6.74% to SAR 54.62 million on lower retail and wholesale demand. However, net profit rose 88% sequentially compared to the prior quarter, driven by lower operating expenses and reduced finance costs.

SMASCO Q2 Net Profit Soars 51%

Saudi Manpower Solutions Co.(1834.SA) reported a 51.1% year-on-year surge in Q2 2026 net profit to SAR 44.62 million, driven by strong demand in its Individuals segment and an 11.1% revenue rise to SAR 570.74 million. Quarter-on-quarter net profit dropped 8.2% due to corporate pricing competition and summer seasonality. For H1 2026, net profit climbed 33.1% to SAR 93.19 million.

USA Stocks

Nasdaq Rises 1.3% on Weak Payrolls

US July nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly fell by 23,000, missing expectations and lowering September rate hike odds to 40%. US equities rose, led by the NASDAQ(IXIC.US) up 1.3%. Major tech stocks including NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US) (+2.27%), Broadcom Limited(AVGO.US) (+1.7%), and Apple Inc.(AAPL.US) (+0.3%) advanced.

Atlassian Surges 35% on Strong Earnings

Atlassian(TEAM.US) surged 35% after Q4 results exceeded estimates with strong guidance, leading a software sector rally of 19% over two weeks. Cloudflare(NET.US) (+5.57%) posted beat-and-raise quarterly results, while Airbnb, Inc.(ABNB.US) jumped 17% after Q2 revenue and profit topped consensus. Overall, 85.1% of S&P 500 index(SPX.US) companies have beaten analyst earnings expectations this reporting period.

The PHLX Sox Semiconductor Sector Ishares(SOXX.US) rebounded 18% this week from its late July lows. The rally comes as S&P 500 earnings growth tracks at 50%, driven by a massive wave of AI capital expenditure that is boosting corporate profits across the market.