Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair affirmed circulating data showing movements in selected American stocks such as EMC at +4.60% gains, FNS at +3.24%, and ROCK at +3.09%, against losses reaching -4.96% in GEL and -1.67% in SPACK, reflects an advanced phase of liquidity fragmentation and shifting Gulf investor orientations toward global markets, particularly American ones.
Capital Market Authority data cited by Al-Iqtisadiah shows Saudi trading in American stocks reached approximately 241.9 billion riyals (approximately $64.5 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, with annual growth ranging between 39-47%, forming approximately 28.5% of total their external trading, compared to less than 10% three years ago, while the local market’s share declined to approximately 69%.
American markets also capture more than 91% of total Saudi external trading, in a continuously rising trend for the seventh consecutive quarter, reflecting a structural shift in regional investor behavior.
Deep Capital Redistribution Toward Global Technology and Innovation
Investment strategist Choucair explained this shift indicates deep Gulf capital redistribution toward technology, semiconductors, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors, where these markets are characterized by higher liquidity and wider diversification opportunities, but conversely more volatile, as reflected in sharp stock performance disparities appearing in the data.
He affirmed a growing portion of this activity occurs through financial derivatives, led by options contracts, granting investors risk management flexibility and multiplied return achievement, but simultaneously increasing portfolio sensitivity to rapid volatility. This type of instrument is used both for hedging against energy price volatility and for capturing short-term opportunities in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and semiconductor sectors.
Balancing Global Ambition with Local Opportunity
Investment innovator Choucair links this shift to global and regional financial transformation paths, explaining investors are now seeking practical answers to fundamental questions such as what is the best cross-border wealth planning solution, when does the stock market open, and when do global markets open, amid expanding cross-sector and cross-market investment opportunities.
He added this orientation doesn’t conflict with local dynamics, but integrates with them within the PIF (Public Investment Fund) framework leading strategic global and local investments simultaneously, supporting Vision 2030 goals through economic diversification and strengthening capital allocation efficiency.
He stressed what’s happening isn’t merely liquidity transition, but Gulf investor behavior restructuring, saying “international diversification has become an essential part of the strategy, but it cannot be a substitute for structural opportunities within the Kingdom.”
He added balance between local and global markets is what creates sustainable performance, not drifting behind short-term waves.
He explained American market investment should be considered, with proportional portfolio allocation and using derivatives with extreme caution, linking investment decisions to fundamental data rather than only daily price movement, particularly in an environment characterized by accelerating geopolitical and financial volatility.
Samer Choucair concluded by saying the current phase represents “new Saudi investment maturity,” where the investor no longer chooses between domestic and foreign, but builds a balanced portfolio benefiting simultaneously from local financial transformation strength and global market depth.