The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in 2016

The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) has dropped dramatically since mid-2015, making it one of the worst performing equity markets amongst major global and regional indices. Whilst the decline in oil prices has been an obvious factor in this fall, a number of other developments have played their part in dampening investor sentiment. In general, a deteriorating outlook over Chinese economic growth led to a reversal of portfolio equity flows from emerging markets. More specifically, the TASI suffered due to an escalation in regional political upheaval and energy price reform, whilst an overreaction by retail investors with short term investment horizons added to declines. Nevertheless, in recent weeks we have seen some tentative signs of recovery in the TASI. A mild improvement in oil prices and stability in global equity markets has afforded us an opportunity to be cautiously optimistic as we move forward.