French Trading: Everything You Need to Know About Investing in the Saudi

French Trading is a comprehensive electronic platform affiliated with the Saudi French Bank, allowing individual and institutional investors direct access to the Saudi financial markets, primarily the Saudi stock market (Tadawul). The platform provides the ability to trade in local stocks and investment funds, along with a suite of analytical and graphical tools that help users make informed investment decisions. Since its launch, the platform has focused on adopting the latest digital security technologies and providing a seamless user experience through an advanced user interface, continuous technical support, and multiple ways to execute orders, whether online or via mobile applications. The platform is gaining increasing importance amid economic developments in the Kingdom, as it allows investors to follow major companies like Hail Cement (3001) and benefit from transformations in vital sectors. French Trading's services are not limited to executing orders only; they also include periodic reports, instant alerts, and investment portfolio management services, making it a suitable option for various investor categories.

The French Trading platform offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for investors in the Saudi market. Firstly, it is characterized by ease of use and speed in executing orders, whether through the website or mobile applications. Investors can monitor stock prices, such as Hail Cement (3001), in real-time and access historical charts and technical analyses. Secondly, the platform includes advanced portfolio management tools, such as the ability to set alerts and analyze performance, along with continuous technical support around the clock. Thirdly, it provides periodic reports on the market and company news, helping investors stay informed about the latest developments. In terms of security, French Trading relies on modern encryption technologies to protect customer data and transactions. The platform also offers flexible options for funding accounts and withdrawing profits, with the possibility of trading in the spot market, sukuk market, bonds, and exchange-traded funds. These combined advantages make French Trading a suitable choice for both novice and experienced investors.

The process of opening an investment account with French Trading involves several stages, starting with filling out the electronic registration form available on the official website of the Saudi French Bank or by visiting one of the bank's branches. The investor must provide personal data, national ID or residency number, contact information, and basic financial data to assess their investment suitability. After filling out the application, the data is verified, and the account is approved within a short period, usually not exceeding two working days. The client receives a username and password that enable them to access the platform, where they can start trading after transferring the amounts to be invested. It is advisable to review the terms and conditions associated with the services and understand the policies related to fees, security, and complaint procedures. After activation, the user can benefit from all the platform's tools, including monitoring listed stocks like Hail Cement (3001), executing buy and sell orders, and efficiently managing their investment portfolio.

French Trading allows for immediate and flexible order execution. After logging in, the investor can search for the stock they wish to trade using the company's symbol (such as 3001 for Hail Cement) or its name. Multiple options are available for entering buy and sell orders, including market orders that execute at the current price or limit orders that execute when the stock reaches a previously specified price. Users can also set stop-loss or take-profit orders according to their risk management strategy. The platform displays detailed information about each stock, including real-time price, trading volume, highest and lowest price during the session, and relevant company news. After entering the order, it is confirmed and sent directly to the market. The platform provides an instant record of executed and pending orders, with the ability to modify or cancel them as needed. French Trading supports executing multiple orders simultaneously, helping investors diversify their portfolios and manage their investments efficiently.

The French Trading platform imposes clear fees on executed transactions, aligning with prevailing practices in the Saudi financial market. These fees include commissions for buying and selling, where a specified percentage of the total transaction value is deducted for the broker. Typically, the commission ranges between 0.15% and 0.20% of the transaction value, in addition to fees from the Capital Market Authority that are automatically added. There are no fixed monthly fees for regular accounts, but additional fees may be charged for advanced services such as portfolio management or subscription to specialized analytical reports. It is important to review the updated fee schedule on the official French Trading website, as some items may change based on the account type or trading volume. Attention should also be paid to special fees for transferring funds between the investment account and the current account, as well as fees for certain operations such as canceling orders or requesting detailed account statements. It is always advisable to review the terms and conditions and calculate the actual costs of each trading operation before making any decision.

The French Trading platform places utmost importance on information security and investor protection. The platform relies on advanced encryption protocols to ensure data confidentiality and provides two-factor authentication to protect user accounts from breaches. All transactions are monitored automatically to detect any unusual activity, and mechanisms are available for immediate communication with the support team in case of suspected unauthorized transactions. French Trading also adheres to all instructions and regulations issued by the Saudi Capital Market Authority, including anti-money laundering policies and protecting investors from irregular risks. The platform also provides educational materials and training courses for new investors on the fundamentals of safe trading and risk management. In case of a dispute or complaint, investors can raise it through dedicated official channels, and it is handled according to clear and rapid procedures. It is always advised not to share login data and to change passwords regularly to maintain account security.

The French Trading platform allows investors to monitor the financial performance of companies like Hail Cement (3001) periodically and accurately. The platform provides detailed reports on key financial indicators, including real-time stock price, market capitalization, price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), earnings per share, and announced cash distributions. As of the end of 2024, the price of Hail Cement's stock ranged between 2.2 and 2.5 SAR, with a market capitalization of approximately 2.0 – 2.5 billion SAR. The stock's price-to-earnings ratio showed a significant decline (between 4 and 6 times), reflecting strong profitability compared to the price level. The company did not announce dividends during 2024 due to acquisition procedures, but periodic announcements are available through the platform. French Trading also provides charts to compare the stock's performance with the sector, along with analyses of sector developments and their impact on the stock. This helps investors evaluate the company's performance within the market context, without providing any investment advice or recommendations.

The Saudi cement sector is considered one of the cornerstones of economic development, especially with the massive projects associated with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The sector includes major companies such as Qassim Cement, Yamama Cement, and Hail Cement (3001), each playing a role in meeting the needs of different regions. Hail Cement, in particular, has distinguished itself by offering high-quality products and covering the northern and western markets. The sector witnessed significant sales growth in 2024 due to increased demand for construction materials, achieving strong profits exceeding 2 billion SAR for the sector in the first two-thirds of the year. Companies faced challenges such as rising energy costs and market competitiveness, but some managed to maintain good profit margins. The merger of Hail Cement with Qassim Cement is expected to enhance the two companies' ability to face challenges, achieve economies of scale, and improve geographic coverage. The French Trading platform provides sector reports that help investors understand the sector's dynamics and compare stock performance within it.

Hail Cement (3001) has witnessed significant strategic developments in 2024, most notably the announcement of an acquisition deal by Qassim Cement. This deal comes as part of the sector's trend towards mergers to achieve operational efficiency and increase market share. Following the announcement of the deal, Hail Cement's stock price rose by nearly 20% before stabilizing as the merger procedures progressed. The acquisition is expected to lead to a restructuring of ownership and enhance the company's ability to compete with major players in the sector. For investors, these developments present new opportunities to benefit from economies of scale and improve financial performance, with the necessity to follow news and disclosures through the French Trading platform or the official Tadawul website. It is important to emphasize the need to study financial data and structural developments before making any investment decision, especially in light of the significant transformations taking place in the sector.

Through French Trading, investors can compare the performance of Hail Cement (3001) with other listed cement companies such as Qassim Cement (3004), Madinah Cement, and Najran Cement. Comparisons show that Hail Cement has distinguished itself with a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and good profit margins in active years, but the absence of cash distributions during 2024 placed it in a less competitive position than some companies that continued to distribute profits. In terms of market price, Hail's stock was within the lower range compared to companies like Qassim or Madinah, which may indicate a lower valuation or future growth opportunities depending on sector developments. The platform provides graphical tools to compare price movements, trading volume, and profitability indicators, giving investors a comprehensive view of the company's ranking within the sector. It is important not to rely solely on price indicators when making decisions, but to study the operational factors and future developments of each company.

Risk management is an essential element of successful trading. French Trading provides multiple tools to help investors protect their capital, such as stop-loss orders and defining take-profit levels. Users can set these orders for each stock, including Hail Cement (3001), which reduces the likelihood of incurring significant losses due to market fluctuations. The platform also allows for real-time monitoring of the investment portfolio and analyzing the distribution ratio among different stocks, making it easier to diversify investments and reduce risks associated with a single stock or specific sector. French Trading also offers educational materials and workshops on risk management methods, such as determining the appropriate trade size, using leverage cautiously, and estimating the impact of economic news on stock movements. Every investor should periodically review their strategy, avoid risking money they cannot afford to lose, and adhere to the guidelines of the Capital Market Authority.

French Trading provides continuous technical support to users through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat on the website or application. The support team is characterized by quick response times and professionalism in handling inquiries related to account opening, order execution, or resolving technical issues. The platform also offers a help center containing a comprehensive user guide, frequently asked questions, and educational videos explaining the steps of trading, portfolio management, and financial data analysis. In case of complaints or disputes, users can submit them through a dedicated official channel, and they are handled according to the regulations of the Saudi Capital Market Authority. These services aim to provide a safe and smooth trading experience for all clients, adhering to the highest standards of transparency and quality. Investors are always advised to keep records of transactions and contact technical support immediately if any issues arise to ensure quick resolution.

The French Trading platform offers a wide range of analytical tools that support investors in making their decisions. Among the most prominent tools are real-time and historical charts, technical indicators such as moving averages, the Relative Strength Index (RSI), and liquidity ratios. The platform also provides access to research reports and sector analyses covering major companies like Hail Cement (3001) and its competitors. Investors can benefit from the smart alerts feature that sends notifications when a stock reaches a specified price or experiences significant market fluctuations. Additionally, the platform includes an economic events calendar and financial results announcement dates, helping to track important developments that may affect stocks. It is important for investors to use these tools as an aid to understand market trends, not as a substitute for fundamental analysis or specialized financial consultation.

French Trading places great importance on education and training, providing comprehensive knowledge materials for new investors. These materials include videos, articles, and online workshops covering the basics of trading, reading financial data, and understanding the risks associated with investing in stocks. The platform also offers periodic training courses on using technical analysis tools, portfolio management, and various trading strategies. New investors can benefit from demo accounts to learn how to execute orders and track stock movements without exposing themselves to real financial risks. These efforts aim to raise financial awareness and enhance investors' ability to make informed decisions in the market. It is always advisable to take advantage of these resources periodically and keep up with the latest developments in the Saudi financial market.