• Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering a follow-on offering for Aramco, aiming to launch it as early as February, making it one of the largest share sales in recent years. The Kingdom is working with advisers and aims to raise at least 40 billion riyals ($10 billion) in this share sale on the Saudi stock exchange, contributing to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic diversification efforts. This initiative comes four years after Aramco's record-breaking initial public offering of about $30 billion. The decision on the timing of the sale is pending, and Aramco declined to comment on the matter.

• Despite being the world's largest oil exporter with a market value exceeding $2 trillion, Aramco surprised the market recently by abandoning plans to increase its oil production capacity. The move prompts questions about the company's outlook on oil demand and frees up substantial funds for alternative investments. The Saudi government, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had expressed intentions in 2021 to sell more Aramco shares, with proceeds directed to the sovereign wealth fund. The IPO market in Saudi Arabia gained momentum in the second half of 2023, and a successful Aramco deal would contribute to this positive trend.