KSE gains 423 million dinars in Q3 as Main 50 index rises 3.99 percent
The Kuwait Stock Exchange ended the third quarter of 2026 with market capitalization rising by 423 million dinars to 52.582 billion dinars, up from 52.159 billion dinars at the end of June, as most key indices posted gains during the quarter.
The quarterly performance points to continued activity across Kuwait’s equity market, with the Main 50 Index recording the strongest gain among the major indices, rising 3.99 percent. The First Market Index advanced 0.94 percent, while the General and Main Market indices gained 0.84 percent and 0.37 percent, respectively.
Trading activity remained substantial during the quarter, with 5.82 billion dinars in liquidity, involving 22.11 billion shares and around 1.5 million transactions. Eight sectors recorded gains, led by healthcare, which surged 41.33 percent, while five sectors declined, with insurance falling 10.61 percent.
The financial services sector was the largest contributor to trading activity, accounting for 44.87 percent of total volume, with 9.92 billion shares traded. It represented 29.58 percent of total transactions, with 442,900 deals, and 31.65 percent of market liquidity, worth 1.84 billion dinars.
However, the broader nine-month performance remained mixed. The Premier Market Index fell 3.48 percent, or 330.4 points, to 9,167.93 points, while the General Index declined 1.44 percent, or 128.2 points, to 8,779.38 points. Market capitalization was 608 million dinars, or 1.14 percent, below its end-2025 level of 53.19 billion dinars.
Sector performance over the first nine months also showed significant divergence. Seven sectors recorded declines, led by consumer goods, which fell 10.13 percent, while six sectors advanced. Technology posted the strongest increase, soaring 554.97 percent.
September, however, brought a broader correction. The Premier Market Index fell 1.3 percent, the Main Market Index declined 1.47 percent and the General Index dropped 1.33 percent. The Main 50 Index recorded the sharpest monthly decline, falling 7.14 percent from its August closing level.
For investors, the third-quarter figures highlight a market characterized by strong trading liquidity, significant sector rotation and divergent performance between market segments, with healthcare and technology among the standout sectors while broader market capitalization remained below the level recorded at the end of 2025.
