As if to confirm the view of market bears that shares in Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) would fall prey to geopolitical pressures, the shares dropped by more than 10% from their peak on news of the US assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. As of 6 January, Aramco shares were trading at SR34.2 each, compared to a high of SR38.7 on 12 December, the second day of trading on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).