Inclusion of Saudi Arabia in FTSE Russell and S & P Dow Jones in emerging market indices

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 18, 2019 / PRNewswire / – Today marks the beginning of the first phase of the Saudi Stock Exchange's inclusion in the FTSE Russell and S & P Dow Jones indices (S & P DJI), two leading suppliers of 39, global stock indexes.

Inclusion in emerging markets of FTSE Russell

Inclusion of Saudi Arabia The FTSE Russell Emerging Markets (EM) Index will be held in five tranches over the next 12 months, the first of which will be completed today. This first 25% will be spread over March 2019 and April 2019 (10% and 15% respectively) to ensure a smooth transition. The remaining 75% will be implemented alongside the quarterly revisions June 2019, September 2019 and March 2020.

Waqas Samad, CEO of FTSE Russell, said: "From Saudi Arabia Promoting emerging market status in FTSE Russell's global equity benchmarks is an important achievement. The AMC and Tadawul have long been committed to improving From Saudi Arabia capital markets and today marks the culmination of their efforts to meet the rigorous requirements of inclusion. FTSE Russell has always worked closely with stock exchanges, regulators and market players. Middle East help meet the demand of international investors for reference and badytical solutions to facilitate their investments in the region. We look forward to staying at the forefront of the innovative solutions available to our global customers. "

S & P Dow Jones Index Global Indices

Inclusion of Saudi Arabia The global benchmarks (BMI) of S & P Dow Jones Emerging Markets Indices (DJI) started today with the first of two phases, the second one September 2019. Saudi Arabia is eligible for inclusion at 50% of the float-adjusted market capitalization from today and 100% of FMC on September 23, 2019.

At the end of the first phase, Alex Matturri, CEO of S & P Dow Jones Indices, commented "From Saudi Arabia The recent move of our country to the clbadification of emerging countries is the result of ongoing consultation with market participants. This reflects the strong consensus among members of the global investor community and the recent positive reforms in the market structure that support foreign investment in the country. The S & P Dow Jones Indexes look forward to continuing to provide innovative index-based solutions Middle East Region."

Tadawul continues its commitment to market reforms

The reforms and improvements to the capital market over the past two years have paved the way for inclusion in an index and reflect Tadawul's ongoing commitment to improve the efficiency of the market. Saudi capital market, to create an attractive environment for local and international investors and to align its regulatory frameworks in international markets. best practices.

Investment inflows resulting from the inclusion of indices will further strengthen liquidity and trade in the Saudi market, which is already one of the most liquid emerging markets in the world, and further diversify opportunities for issuers and investors.

Tadawul is committed to becoming an active player in global capital markets as a source of capital and destination for investment, leveraging its current role as a hub for financial market development in GCC countries and from the MENA region.

Commenting on inclusion in the FTSE Russell and S & P Emerging Market indices, Khalid Al Hussan, CEO of Tadawul, said:

"Inclusion in these leading indexes demonstrates growing investor confidence in the Saudi market and demonstrates the successful implementation of extensive capital market reforms in line with the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP) and Vision2030. We are looking forward to welcoming the participants who will be investing in these indices and forging long-term relationships as the Saudi capital market continues to consolidate its leadership position in the market. Middle East and the region as a whole. "