- Kuwait listed companies’ profits rise 7.94% as KSE market value gains
- Boursa liquidity rises 10.87% to 1.776 billion dinars
The market capitalization of companies listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange rose by about 872 million dinars, or 1.6 percent, in August, reaching 53.287 billion dinars at the end of the month compared with 52.415 billion dinars at the end of July. The increase came amid easing geopolitical tensions, economic incentives, positive financial results from listed companies and government projects that supported investor confidence.
The Main Market accounted for the largest share of the monthly increase, gaining 491 million dinars, or 5.57 percent, to reach 9.301 billion dinars, compared with 8.81 billion at the end of July. The First Market rose by 381 million dinars, or 0.87 percent, to 43.986 billion dinars, from 43.605 billion at the end of July.
Indices post broad gains
All major market indices recorded gains during August. The General Market Index rose 1.607 percent, or 140.72 points, from its end-July level. The First Market Index gained 0.79 percent, or about 72.82 points. The Main 50 Index advanced 9.33 percent, adding about 938.95 points, while the Main Market Index increased 5.65 percent, or 493.91 points.
Trading activity also strengthened during the month. Liquidity rose 10.87 percent to 1.776 billion dinars, compared with 1.602 billion in July. Trading volume reached 6.548 billion shares, while the number of transactions rose to 459,280. With the August gains, the Kuwait Stock Exchange moved above its levels recorded before the regional war began on February 28.
Market capitalization increased by 2.089 billion dinars, or 4.08 percent, compared with the February 24 session, when it stood at 51.198 billion dinars. The First Market recorded a gain of 1.236 billion dinars, or 15.3 percent, from its end-February level of 8.065 billion, while the First Market’s value increased by 853 million dinars, or 1.97 percent, from 43.133 billion.
August performance supported by investment and market factors
The positive August performance was supported by several investment and market factors, including increased investor confidence following a decline in military escalation and tensions between the United States and Iran. The semi-annual review of the FTSE Russell indices also contributed to market activity.
The review added four stocks to the very small companies category and removed three, with the changes taking effect at the close of trading on August 31. Government projects provided another boost, including the qualification of 22 alliances to compete for three Public Authority for Housing Welfare projects involving listed companies.
The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation also signed its largest pipeline network lease-and-leaseback deal. Bank sukuk issuances, positive financial results from listed companies and interim distributions also supported market sentiment. Listed companies’ profits rose 7.94 percent in the first half of 2026 to 1.36 billion dinars, while their assets increased to 190.14 billion dinars.
Liquidity recovers in Monday’s session
Despite the monthly gains, Kuwait Stock Exchange indices ended Monday’s trading session lower, amid a recovery in liquidity coinciding with the implementation of the Morgan Stanley index review at the close. The First Market Index fell 0.2 percent, the General Market Index declined 0.16 percent, the Main Market Index slipped 0.01 percent, and the Main 50 Index eased 0.02 percent.
Liquidity increased 40.4 percent to 120.699 million dinars, compared with 85.94 million in the previous session. Trading volume rose 16.2 percent to 391.02 million shares, from 336.52 million, while the number of transactions increased 10.2 percent to 26,120, compared with 23,700 previously.
Eight sectors declined during the session, led by healthcare, which fell 2.96 percent. Five sectors gained, with insurance leading the advances at 2.86 percent.
