KSE ends volatile week with 1.22 billion dinars in losses amid regional tensions
Despite heightened geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, the market's losses were less severe than anticipated
The Kuwait Stock Exchange concluded a volatile trading week with a market capitalization loss of 1.22 billion dinars, equivalent to a 2.5% decline, bringing total market capitalization down to 47.49 billion dinars.
Despite heightened geopolitical tensions stemming from the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, the market’s losses were less severe than anticipated. This relative resilience was largely attributed to the rise in global oil prices.
Throughout the week, total trading value reached approximately 574.7 million dinars. The Premier Market accounted for 75% of this value (429.1 million dinars), while the Main Market contributed 25% (145.6 million dinars). Trading activity included 2.58 billion shares exchanged over 146,785 transactions, reports Al-Jarida daily.
All key indices recorded losses over the week. The General Market Index declined by 2.5% (205 points), the Premier Market Index dropped by 2.7% (239 points), and the Main Market Index fell by 1.5% (110 points).
However, Thursday’s session saw a partial rebound across the board. The Premier Market led the recovery, buoyed by increased investor interest in several prominent stocks, notably the National Bank of Egypt. Several small-cap stocks also posted strong gains, including Tahseelat and Wethaq.
The rebound coincided with a market review by Standard & Poor’s and FTSE Russell, which resulted in no changes to index weightings. On Thursday alone, market capitalization rose by 344.5 million dinars, reflecting a 0.73% increase over the previous session.
In total, 133 stocks were traded on Thursday, with 61 gaining, 56 declining, and 16 remaining unchanged. Sector performance was mixed, with seven sectors recording gains, led by technology (up 5.15%) and insurance (up 1.52%). Conversely, six sectors posted declines, led by healthcare (down 3.41%) and consumer goods (down 1.50%).
The General Market Index added 57.6 points to close at 7,951, with 667.2 million shares traded over 34,274 transactions. The Premier Market Index rose by 72.22 points to finish at 8,616, supported by a liquidity value of 77.8 million dinars and a volume of 241.7 million shares across 12,352 trades.
The Main Market Index increased by 10.69 points, reaching 6,860, with 46.2 million dinars in turnover and 425.5 million shares exchanged in 21,922 transactions.
In terms of trading value, Kuwait Finance House led the market with 16.6 million dinars in trades at 740 fils per share, followed by Emirates with 14.4 million dinars at 270 fils, Agility with 10.4 million dinars at 198 fils, National Bank with 7.2 million dinars at 933 fils, and Al Ahli Bank with 7.07 million dinars at 310 fils.
Among the top gainers, Tahseelat soared by 143.02% to 148 fils, trading 12.4 million shares, followed by Wethaq up 74.02% to 71 fils with 50 million shares traded. Digits rose 21.3% to 131 fils, Mazaya gained 12.85% to 72 fils, and Synergy increased by 10.72% to 59.9 fils.
On the downside, Emirates led the decliners with a 10% drop, despite a high volume of 40 million shares traded. Gulf fell 7.43% to 498 fils, Al Taqaddom declined 6.54% to 1 dinar (with minimal trading), Agility dropped 5.26% to 198 fils, and Maaden slid 4.40% to 174 fils.
While the regional situation continues to cast uncertainty over the markets, the end-of-week rebound signals cautious investor optimism, supported by external economic factors and steady domestic trading activity.
