The banking sector surged 1.8 percent as the biggest lender, National Commercial Bank, climbed 2.1 percent. Banks underperformed the market in the initial reaction to the 2017 state budget at the start of this week, when activity focused on other sectors including petrochemicals. The budget was generally viewed as positive by analysts because it was modestly expansionary while including a further cut to the deficit. But the economic climate next year is expected to be difficult because of fresh austerity measures.
Saudi Electricity, which has been buoyed by plans in the budget to raise power tariffs later this year, rose 1.8 percent. Much activity focused on second- or third-tier stocks favoured by local retail investors, including Tihama Advertising which jumped its 10 percent daily limit. It resumed trading this week after being suspended because it delayed announcing its financial results. Dubai's index fell 0.3 percent as DXB Entertainments pulled back 1.5 percent. Abu Dhabi rose 0.3 percent on the back of a 0.9 percent gain by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. Egypt's bluechip index closed flat in heavy trading volume, with foreign investors net buyers by a small margin. Egypt Gas Co surged 5.3 percent after it predicted lower net profit but higher revenues in 2017.