Oman's share index closes higher

Muscat: The MSX index closed at 4,471.87 points, up by 0.98 per cent from previous close. The Sharia Index ended down by 0.18 per cent at 461.50 points.

SMN Power Holding, up 7.90 per cent, was the top gainer while, United Finance, down 6.06 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of United Finance were the most active in terms of number of shares traded while Bank Muscat were the most active in terms of turnover.

A total number of 545 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating turnover of OMR1.94 million, with more than 12.15 million shares changing hands. Out of 40 traded securities, 16 advanced, 12 declined, and 12 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab investors were net buyers for OMR361,000 while domestic investors were net sellers for OMR321,000, followed by foreign investors for OMR41,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 7,150.18 points, up 0.77 per cent. Prices of Bank Muscat, Sohar International Bank, Oman & Emirates Investment, Global Financial Investments, and OMINVEST were up by 4.21 per cent, 4.04 per cent, 2.74 per cent, 1.96 per cent, and 1.16 per cent respectively. Prices of United Finance, National Finance, Al Anwar Investment, National Bank Oman, and Bank Nizwa were down by 6.00 per cent, 2.54 per cent, 1.28 per cent, 1.17 per cent, and 1.05 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 6,085.95 points, up 0.97 per cent. Prices of Oman Refreshment, Oman Cement, Galfar Engineering, Raysut Cement, and Jazeera Steel Products were up by 6.00 per cent, 2.37 per cent, 2.30 per cent, 1.41 per cent, and 0.48 per cent respectively. Prices of Gulf Mushroom Products, Oman Fisheries and Oman Cables Industry were down by 1.67 per cent, 0.99 per cent  and 0.63 per cent respectively.

Services Index was down by 0.52 per cent before closing at 1,532.76 points. Prices of SMN Power Holding, Ooredoo, Oman National Engineering and Oman Telecom were up by 7.90 per cent, 1.01 per cent, 0.92 per cent and 0.47 per cent respectively. Prices of Al Maha Markting, Al Suwadi Power, Muscat Desalination and Renaissance Services were down by 4.00 per cent, 2.78 per cent, 1.82 per cent and 1.24 per cent  respectively.