Saudi benchmark equities extended gains in the first half of 2026, with the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) rising about 2.9% over the period. The advance was driven mainly by stronger earnings in the financial sector and by global crude prices that, while volatile, stayed relatively elevated.
The banks sector index on the Saudi Exchange climbed roughly 2.93% during the first half of the year, while the insurance sector index added about 1.97%. In the first quarter of 2026, banking sector earnings grew around 7.6% year-on-year to approximately SAR 24.0 billion, led by Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB) and Alinma Bank. Among insurers, selected companies such as Al Rajhi Takaful recorded share price gains of around 36% over the quarter.
Oil markets also supported sentiment. Brent crude traded at times in the high-80s to low-90s US dollars reinforcing confidence in Saudi fiscal revenues and contributing to rallies in benchmark equities. Wider access for broader categories of foreign investors in 2026 added further demand for banking and insurance stocks, helping lift the index.
What it means for residents
For investors in the Kingdom, trading in Saudi equities is carried out through licensed brokerage firms connected to the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul). Investors open investment accounts with licensed brokers, complete identity verification (often using national digital identity), and place orders during official market trading hours.
Fees are set by each broker and typically include a commission on trades plus regulatory charges, usually expressed as a percentage of trade value in SAR. There are no separate government-portal fee schedules or validity periods tied specifically to trading Saudi benchmark equities.
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