Equity indices in key Middle East and Africa markets advanced on December 8, 2025, with Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All-Share Index rising 1.8% amid strong energy sector performance, while South Africa’s JSE All-Share Index edged down 0.3%. Investors reacted to updated fiscal data and central bank policy signals across the region.
- Saudi Tadawul All-Share Index rose 1.8% to 12,435.6 on strong energy sector performance
- Egypt’s EGX 30 gained 2.1% to 36,890, supported by foreign inflows into banking and infrastructure
- South Africa’s JSE All-Share Index declined 0.3% to 79,140.7 due to weak mining sector results
- Kenya’s NSE 20 Index rose 1.4% to 9,210, boosted by telecom sector gains
- UAE’s ADX General Index advanced 0.9% to 5,875.4, driven by 18% quarterly growth in Dubai real estate sales
- Regional central bank policies are diverging, affecting capital allocation and investor confidence
On December 8, 2025, financial markets across the Middle East and Africa displayed divergent trends, reflecting growing regional economic differentiation. Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All-Share Index closed at 12,435.6, marking a 1.8% gain, driven by a 3.4% surge in Petrochemical & Oil Services stocks. The rally followed an announcement from the Saudi Ministry of Finance that the country’s fiscal surplus reached SAR 215 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, surpassing projections by 12%. Meanwhile, Egypt’s EGX 30 Index rose 2.1% to 36,890, supported by foreign inflows into banking and infrastructure stocks, as the Central Bank of Egypt maintained its benchmark interest rate at 20.25% for a fifth consecutive meeting. In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa’s JSE All-Share Index declined 0.3% to 79,140.7, pressured by weaker mining sector performance. Platinum Group Metals dropped 5.7% after a global demand forecast revision lowered long-term expectations. Kenya’s NSE 20 Index showed resilience, gaining 1.4% to 9,210, fueled by a 4.2% rise in telecom stocks following the launch of a new fiber-optic network by Safaricom. In the Gulf, the UAE’s ADX General Index rose 0.9% to 5,875.4 as Dubai’s real estate sector posted its strongest quarterly growth in two years, with sales volumes up 18% compared to Q3 2025. Market analysts noted that regional monetary policy divergence is playing a significant role in shaping investor sentiment. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are signaling potential rate cuts in early 2026 due to stable inflation, Nigeria’s central bank maintained a hawkish stance, keeping the policy rate at 24.5% amid persistent inflation above 32%. This divergence is influencing capital flows, with foreign portfolio investors increasing exposure to Gulf markets while reducing positions in high-inflation African economies.