MSX index ends marginally lower

Muscat: The MSX index closed at 3,955.66 points, down 0.06 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended up by 0.20 per cent at 578.85 points.

Shell Oman Marketing was the top gainer, up by 2.17 per cent. While Dhofar Generating, down 9.35 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Bank Dhofar was 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 379 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR2 million, with more than 8 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, 8 advanced, 10 declined and 19 remained unchanged.

At the session close, local investors were net buyers for OMR269,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR234,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR35,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 6,263 points, up 0.15 per cent. Prices of Bank Muscat and Bank Dhofar were up 1.74 per cent and 0.84 per cent respectively. National Life Insurance, Sohar International Bank and Madina Takaful were down 4.47 per cent, 1.09 per cent and 0.97 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 6,243.22 points, down 0.49 per cent. Prices of Al Maha Ceramics, Oman Fisheries, Oman Cement and Raysut Cement were up 1.89 per cent, 1.35 per cent, 0.42 per cent and 0.39 per cent respectively. NAPI, Jazeera Steel Product, Al Anwar Ceramics and Galfar Engineering were down 8.27 per cent, 3.33 per cent, 2.69 per cent and 2.33 per cent respectively.

Services Index was down by 0.18 per cent before closing at 1,677.40 points. Shell Oman Marketing and Al Jazeera Services were up 2.17 per cent and 1.06 per cent respectively. Dhofar Generating and Omantel were down 9.35 per cent and 1.08 per cent respectively.