Saudi stock falls by 2.08% as king hospitalized

By Tarek Khaled

RIYADH (AA) – The general index of the Saudi Stock Exchange fell by 2.08% to 7268.72 points during Monday's trading, after reports that King Salman was hospitalized for medical checks.

Early on Monday, the Saudi Royal Court announced that King Salman will undergo medical examinations, but without giving further details about the monarch’s health conditions.

Monday’s trading was affected negatively, amid a collective decline of most sectors, including energy, transport and banking.

Aramco dropped by 0.9%, SABIC, the region's largest petrochemical company, fell by 1.7%, while Al-Ahly, the kingdom's largest bank dropped by 0.8% and Al-Rajhi Bank by 1.2%.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat