Oman shares stem losses, end marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM30 Index stemmed the losses and closed at 4,336.55 points, a gain of 0.37 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index gained 0.15 per cent to end at 613.88 points. Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. National Pharmaceuticals was the top gainer, up by 3.45 per cent while Salalah Mills was the top loser, down 6.30 per cent.
A total number of 450 trades were executed during the day's trading session generating turnover of OMR1.29 million with more than 9.47 million shares changing hands. Out of 32 traded stocks, 11 advanced, 4 declined and 17 remained unchanged. At the session close, Omani investors remained net buyers for OMR220,000 followed by the GCC & Arab investors for OMR18,000, while Foreign Investors were net sellers for OMR238,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index advanced 0.59 per cent to finish at 6,737.50 points. National Bank of Oman, Al Anwar Holding, Bank Dhofar, Al Madina Takaful and HSBC Bank gained 2.38 per cent, 1.89 per cent, 1.85 per cent, 1.06 per cent, and 0.86 per cent respectively. Al Sharqia Investments was down by 0.95 per cent was the only loser.
Industry Index retreated 0.26 per cent to close at 5,605.58 points. National Pharmaceuticals, Oman Fisheries, Galfar Engineering and Oman Cement increased 3.45 per cent, 2.20 per cent, 1.98 per cent and 0.55 per cent respectively. Salalah Mills, down 6.30 per cent, was the sole sector loser.
Services Index ended at 2,377.80 points, down 0.11 per cent. OIFC and Omantel gained 1.01 per cent and 0.59 per cent. Al Suwadi Power and Al Batinah Power declined 1.69 per cent and 0.85 per cent respectively.