Riyadh – Mubasher: The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) closed Wednesday in the red after its benchmark Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) plunged 148.68 points, or 1.9%, to 7,802.74 points, registering its highest losses in six months or since 11 October 2017.

TASI’s traded volume reached 110.66 million shares on Wednesday, down from 161.69 million on Tuesday, whereas liquidity increased to SAR 5.87 billion, from SAR 3.98 billion.

The retailing sector tumbled 3.9%, followed by the media segment with 3.3%.

Likewise, the food and beverages sector dipped 3.3%, while the telecommunication services, materials and banking segments fell 2.1%, 1.9%, and 1.5%, respectively.

Alinma Tokio Marine Co’s stock was the bourse’s worst performer with 8.2%, whereas Halwani Bros Co’s stock inched up 0.7%.

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development’s stock acquired trading activities after 89.86 million shares were exchanged, generating SAR 1.17 billion in a turnover.

In the meantime, the main index of the Nomu-Parallel Market, NOMU, slumped 2.4% or 74.18 points, to close at 2,980.97 points, registering its third sharpest loss during 2018.

Nomu’s trading volume stood at 399,500 shares on Wednesday, against 81,300 on Tuesday, while liquidity skyrocketed to SAR 17.94 million, from SAR 1.81 million.

Al-Samaani Factory for Metal Industries’ stock fell 4.1%, whereas the stock of Al-Kathiri Holding Company jumped 9.4%.

Thob Al-Aseel Company’s stock dominated Nomu in volume and value after 251,140 shares were exchanged, with a turnover of SAR 15.33 million.