The Saudi stock market started the final session of the week on an up note supported by the relative improvement in traders’ morale following the announcement of an expansionary budget for next year, but selectivity and caution still dominate deals in light of the continued weakness of liquidity. The general index “TASI” was able to exceed the level of 10,600 points, despite falling throughout the week and heading for the longest streak of weekly losses that it is close to recording in almost three years. Majid Al-Khalidi, senior financial analyst at Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper, believes that risks in the market have started to decrease, and notes that the shares of “Aramco” and “ACWA Power” will play a major role in the index’s recovery during the coming period. He added during an intervention with Al-Sharq: “Aramco shares will benefit from the increase in oil production, while ACWA Power shares are trading at a price discount to fall below 200 riyals. The two stocks will provide major support to the index” in the coming sessions. Selective and cautious Mary Salem, a financial analyst at Al Sharq, for her part believes that despite the positive impact of the 2026 budget on the psychology of traders, liquidity is still at low levels that do not herald a sustainable recovery. She added: “There is still caution and selectivity in the market, but if the rally continues in today’s session, we may have emerged somewhat from the negative sentiment that has prevailed in the market recently.” Supportive budget The Ministry of Finance announced the final statement of next year’s budget on Tuesday, which expects a deficit of 3.3% of gross domestic product, with the continuation of “countercyclical expansionary spending aimed at supporting growth and stimulating investment with the aim of expanding transformative projects and achieving the goals of Vision 2030.” Hisham Abu Jamea, senior advisor at Naif Al Rajhi Investment, believed that the most important feature of the new budget is the sustainability of spending despite the sharp fluctuations in oil prices, especially in the real estate, health and education sectors, which is what will benefit many companies in the stock market. As for the performance of the newly listed stocks, “Comprehensive Path” shares rose more than 2%, hitting 22.6 riyals in early trading after ending the last session more than 4% lower. “Shree” Trading shares also rose by about 1%, but are still below the offer price.