This as US stocks are currently indicated to open down by some 4-5%.#oil #economy #markets @cnbc pic.twitter.com/VEyvelcMCl
— Mohamed A. El-Erian (@elerianm) April 6, 2025
The Saudi stock market experienced its worst loss in five years as new U.S. tariffs took effect, state media reported. The decline shows the market’s vulnerability to global economic tensions. The tariffs have decreased export revenues, increased raw material costs, and disrupted supply chains.
This has led to lower investor confidence and sharp drops in stock prices. Saudi Arabia has been working to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenue. However, the market’s reaction to the tariffs shows that the kingdom is still affected by external economic pressures.
Trump’s tariff announcement this week has wiped out $8.2 TRILLION in stock market value — more than was lost during the worst week of the 2008 financial crisis. pic.twitter.com/m6MPYg7KTp
— Holger Zschaepitz (@Schuldensuehner) April 6, 2025
The government is expected to take steps to stabilize the market and reassure investors.
Crude Oil fell 13.6% on Thursday-Friday of last week, one of the biggest 2-day declines in history.
In the past, big short-term declines have often coincided w/ recessions (1990-91, 2020, 2008-09) as investors anticipated a collapse in demand.
The exceptions: 1986, 2021, 2022. pic.twitter.com/TylxKmQ3xz
— Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) April 6, 2025
This comes at a crucial time for Saudi Arabia, which has been pushing forward with economic reforms under Vision 2030. The initiative aims to modernize the economy, develop public service sectors, and attract foreign investment.
However, market fluctuations like this pose a significant challenge to these goals.
BREAKING ?: Crude Oil
Crude plunges below 60 for the first time in 4 years ? pic.twitter.com/CSPTVLUG70
— Barchart (@Barchart) April 6, 2025
As the global economic landscape continues to change, investors will be closely watching the situation to see the broader effects of these tariffs on international trade and market stability. Middle East stock markets tumbled Monday as they struggled with the impact of declining oil prices, which are squeezing energy-producing nations.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) saw significant declines with a 5% drop in its main index, triggering a suspension of trading for an hour.
Market’s vulnerability amid global tensions
Stock brokers and investors at the PSE in Karachi appeared visibly concerned, with many seen checking indexes and discussing the downturn.
The trading halt was an effort to stabilize the market amidst the rapid selling. In Dubai, investor anxiety was also palpable at the Dubai Financial Market. Photographs captured Emirati men observing the falling indexes with concern.
The economic strain from low oil prices has created a challenging environment for businesses and investors in the region. Experts suggest that the market turmoil could persist if oil prices remain low. Energy-producing countries in the Mideast rely heavily on oil revenues, making them particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in oil markets.
The ongoing market disturbances underscore the interconnectedness of global economies and the ripple effects that policy changes in one country can have on markets around the world. Middle East stock markets will need to navigate these challenges cautiously to stabilize and hope for a rebound in the near future. Gulf stock markets plummeted as deepening concerns over a potential global recession, triggered by fresh U.S. import tariffs, led to widespread sell-offs.
Traders across the region, including those at the Bahrain Bourse in Manama, saw significant declines in stock values amid mounting economic uncertainties. The downturn in the markets reflects growing fears that the escalating trade conflict between the United States and its trading partners could severely impact global economic stability. Key financial institutions and corporations in the Gulf, such as Al Rajhi Banking and Investment Corporation SJSC, Industries Qatar QPSC, and Qatar National Bank QPSC, experienced notable drops in their stock prices as investors reacted to the latest tariff developments.
