Kuwaiti institutional investors emerged as the dominant buying force on the Kuwait Stock Exchange during the first nine months of 2026, accounting for more than half of total market purchases and nearly three-quarters of Kuwaiti investors’ net buying. Trading data shows Kuwaiti institutions and companies recorded net purchases of 259.8 million dinars between January and September, with purchases of about 8.48 billion dinars against sales of approximately 8.22 billion dinars.
Data published by a local Arabic daily accounted for 53.4 percent of total market purchases during the period, underscoring the significant role of domestic institutions and companies in supporting market liquidity and activity. Their contribution becomes more pronounced when measured against the overall performance of Kuwaiti investors.
Kuwaiti investors recorded combined net purchases of 340.99 million dinars, meaning institutions and companies accounted for about 76.2 percent of total Kuwaiti net buying. Kuwaiti individual investors were the second-largest source of net buying, recording purchases of about 4.35 billion dinars against sales of approximately 4.27 billion dinars, resulting in net purchases of 88.62 million dinars.
Other Kuwaiti investor categories recorded comparatively limited selling activity. Investment funds posted net sales of about 7.12 million dinars, while client portfolios recorded net sales of around 302,000 dinars. The strong domestic buying trend contrasted with activity by foreign investors, who recorded net sales of approximately 291.46 million dinars during the first nine months.
Foreign institutions and companies accounted for the bulk of that selling, posting net sales of approximately 287.69 million dinars, with purchases of nearly 2 billion dinars against sales of about 2.29 billion dinars. Foreign individuals recorded net sales of approximately 1.21 million dinars, while foreign investment funds posted net sales of around 2.54 million dinars.
Market activity remains substantial
GCC investors also remained net sellers, recording net sales of approximately 49.53 million dinars. This included net sales of 23.16 million dinars by individuals, 23.49 million dinars by institutions and companies, and 2.88 million dinars by investment funds. The nationality-based flows came against a backdrop of substantial overall trading activity on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
Between January and September, total trading value reached approximately 15.88 billion dinars, with around 60.25 billion shares changing hands through nearly 3.98 million transactions. The figures point to a market in which domestic institutional investors remained the principal source of net buying during the first nine months, offsetting net selling by both foreign and GCC investors. The concentration of Kuwaiti buying among institutions and companies also highlights their central role in market liquidity and investment activity.
