Most Important News

1. US Moves Into Venezuela—Oil Market Faces Uncertainty;
2. Saudi Arabia Approves $58 Billion Borrowing Plan for 2026;
3. Leejam Sports Opens Four New Ladies' Fitness Centers in Riyadh;

At the close of 1/1/2025, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) increased by 0.56%, closing at 10549.08 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) rose by 0.96%, closing at 23519.01 points.

As of Friday’s close, the S&P 500 index(SPX.US) increased by 0.19%, the NASDAQ(IXIC.US) fell by 0.03%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) increased by 0.66%.

US Moves Into Venezuela—Oil Market Faces Uncertainty

Reports from Securities Times and Reuters indicate that the US military’s takeover of Venezuela has had a limited immediate effect on global oil and gold prices due to low output and oversupply. Trump announced plans for major US investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, but experts say recovering production will be slow and risky. There is also growing attention on Venezuela’s rumored $60 billion Bitcoin reserve, whose fate remains unclear. Markets are watching for future shifts in commodities and crypto as the situation develops.

Saudi Arabia Approves $58 Billion Borrowing Plan for 2026

Saudi Arabia’s finance minister has approved a 2026 fiscal year borrowing plan, with funding needs estimated at SAR217 billion ($57.8 billion) to cover a projected budget deficit and debt repayments. The strategy includes issuing bonds and sukuk, expanding alternative financing like project and infrastructure funding, and aims to support debt sustainability. The plan also outlines a calendar for local sukuk issuances in Saudi riyals and initiatives to diversify funding sources across domestic and international markets.

King Abdulaziz Airport Sets Passenger Record

King Abdulaziz International Airport reached a record 53.4 million passengers in one year—the highest in Saudi history—putting it among the world’s top airports. The airport handled 310,000 flights, 60.4 million bags, and saw a 12% increase from 2024, reflecting its transformation as a major regional hub supporting Vision 2030. CEO Mazen Johar said the milestone shows strong operational readiness and aims for future expansion. The achievement was credited to collaboration across government and private sectors and ongoing improvements in capacity and services.

KSA Stocks

Academy of Learning Approves 50% Capital Increase and 10% Dividend

Academy of Learning Co.(9541.SA) announced that its January 1, 2026, Extraordinary General Assembly in Dammam approved a 50% capital increase, raising capital from SAR 90 million to SAR 135 million by capitalizing SAR 45 million from retained earnings and issuing bonus shares (one share for every two owned). With 73.44% shareholder attendance, the company also approved a SAR 9 million cash dividend (SAR 0.1 per share) for the year ended June 30, 2025, representing 10% of nominal share value.

Leejam Sports Opens Four New Ladies' Fitness Centers in Riyadh

Leejam Sports Co.(1830.SA) announced on January 4, 2026, the opening of four new "Fitness Time - Ladies" centers in Riyadh’s Al-Rabie, Al-Rabwa, Al-Suwaidi Al-Gharbi, and Al-Shefa districts. The centers feature modern equipment and design, with financial impact expected in Q1 2026. Leejam said more center openings will be announced soon.

USA Stocks

MicroStrategy Faces Billions in Losses as Bitcoin Drops

Strategy (MSTR.US), led by Michael Saylor, is expected to report multi-billion dollar paper losses after Bitcoin fell 24% in the fourth quarter, impacting its $6 billion holdings. The company’s shares have plunged, sparking concerns it may need to sell Bitcoin to cover future expenses. Its market value is now close to the value of its Bitcoin assets, and analysts warn this quarter will look vastly different from last quarter’s profits.

OpenAI May Acquire Pinterest in 2026

Media predict OpenAI could buy Pinterest in 2026 to expand its online shopping and ad business. Pinterest(PINS.US) rose 2.59% after the report, which highlights OpenAI’s interest in its image database and ad infrastructure. Analysts suggest a full acquisition—valued at $17.5 billion—would help OpenAI compete with other AI giants.