Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSX index closed at 3,696.63 points, up 0.81 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended up 0.40 per cent at 525.99 points.

Al Madina Investment, up 9.52 per cent, was the top gainer today while Sohar Power, down 10.00 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of National Finance were the most active in terms of the number of shares traded while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover.

A total number of 1,284 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR4.76 million, with more than 34 million shares changing hands. Out of 52 traded stocks, 22 advanced, 5 declined and 25 remained unchanged. At the session close, Local investors were net buyers for OMR552,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR393,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR160,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 5,713.44 points, up by 0.83 per cent. Al Madina Investment, Oman & Emirates Holding, Al Sharqia Investment, Al Anwar Investment and Ominvest were up 9.52 per cent, 9.52 per cent, 3.75 per cent, 3.49 per cent and 2.65 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 5,018.52 points, up 1.15 per cent. National Aluminum Product, Galfar Engineering, Jazeera Steel Product, Oman Cables Industry and Voltamp Energy were up 6.48 per cent, 4.08 per cent, 4.00 per cent, 3.39 per cent and 2.94 per cent respectively. Oman Cement was the only loser by 1.29 per cent.

Services index was up by 0.71 per cent before closing at 1,555.49 points. Oman Investment & Financials, Oman Telecommunication, Ooredoo, National Gas and Oman National Engineering were up 6.98 per cent, 1.62 per cent, 1.60 per cent, 1.48 per cent and 1.19 per cent respectively. Sohar Power and Phoenix Power were down 10.00 per cent and 2.13 per cent respectively.