TASI Falls 5% at the Open

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index, TASI, fell by as much as 5% to 10,214 at Sunday’s open, its lowest level since March 2023, before recovering to around 10,700 as investors assessed the implications of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. In retaliation to attack, Iran moved to restrict traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for roughly one-fifth of global oil supply and significant volumes of natural gas, and launched attacks across neighbouring states, including Saudi Arabia. While escalating tensions in the Middle East are likely to disrupt regional economic activity and weigh on investor sentiment, oil prices are expected to surge. Higher crude prices could provide support to Saudi Arabia’s economy, given its position as one of the world’s leading oil exporters.