By Mohammed Abu Meleeh

Riyadh-Mubasher: The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) closed out March in the negative territory, plunging 1.99% or 178.16 points to nearly 8,779, its lowest since January 27 when it hit the 8,686 level.

Investors are anticipating the corporate financial results which will be announced starting from Wednesday, as well as the foreign investment regulations which will be unveiled soon.

Moreover, traders are also anticipating some external factors, including the firmness storm which was launched on Thursday. Yemen’s foreign minister called on Tuesday for Arab ground intervention against the Houthis “as soon as possible.”

All sectors headed south, except for energy which rose 1.10%. The real estate development sector was the biggest decliner, falling 3.14%.

Turnover increased from SAR 7.96 billion to SAR 8.12 billion, and trading volume rose from 294.56 million shares to 318 million shares.

A total of 130 stocks declined, led by Arab National Bank which dropped 6.81%. Tawuniya had the second-worst showing, sliding 4.91%.

 Meanwhile, 19 stocks rose, topped by Amana Insurance which climbed 5.49%, followed by United Assurance which added 4.69%.

Translated by Abdul Maguid Aboshahla