Riyadh, Jan 18, 2026, 17:47 AST — Market closed
- Shares of Saudi Aramco climbed 0.7%, closing at 24.98 riyals on Sunday.
- Following a government decision to broaden foreign market access, the Saudi benchmark climbed 0.9%.
- Traders are eyeing oil prices, the rule changes set for Feb. 1, and the date for Aramco’s March earnings release.
Shares of Saudi Arabian Oil Co. rose on Sunday, climbing alongside a rebound in Riyadh stocks following the market’s first drop in over a week. The stock finished at 24.98 riyals, up 0.73%.
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index climbed 0.9%, bouncing back from the drop it saw in the previous session. Oil prices, however, remained weaker than earlier this week, keeping investors cautious. Sentiment got a boost after the government announced plans to ease capital market access for foreign investors.
Why it matters now: Aramco’s earnings and dividends are closely linked to crude prices, which have been volatile amid news on Iran and supply forecasts. Brent crude closed Friday at $64.13 a barrel, gaining 0.58%. Traders appeared to be positioning ahead of the U.S. holiday weekend, factoring in risks around the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of additional output from Venezuela. “Buying today seems to be people not wanting to be caught short over the long weekend,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group. Reuters
Foreign inflows and liquidity are increasingly driving Saudi equities, particularly in large-cap stocks like Aramco. “I expect the Saudi market to trade within a sideways range in the near term, with a mildly positive bias,” said Rania Gule, senior market analyst at XS.com – MENA. Reuters
Officials have set a firm date: starting Feb. 1, non-resident foreign investors can directly invest in the Saudi main market under a fresh regulatory framework, the Capital Market Authority announced.
Sunday’s close shifts attention back to local trading hours as the new week kicks off: the Saudi Exchange operates Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time.
Aramco’s next major milestone is the release of its full-year results. According to the company’s financial calendar, the FY 2025 earnings report is set for March 10.
The risk is clear: should the geopolitical premium in crude fade or new supply outpace demand, Aramco’s oil-driven cash flow backing could weaken. That could happen even as the wider Saudi market benefits from ongoing reforms.
In the short term, oil traders are eyeing the upcoming U.S. inventory report for cues. The U.S. Energy Information Administration announced a schedule change: the Weekly Petroleum Status Report will come out Thursday, Jan. 22, pushed back due to a federal holiday.
