Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM index closed at 3,558.31 points, up 0.04 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended down by 0.20 per cent at 520.33. Ahlia Insurance, up 2.84 per cent was the top gainer while Meethaq Sukuk Series, down 2.42 per cent, was the top loser. Gulf Investment was the most active in terms of the number of shares traded and also was the most active in terms of turnover.
A total number of 441 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR0.719 million, with more than 6.0 million shares changing hands. Out of 39 traded stocks, 8 advanced, 6 declined and 25 remained unchanged. At the session close, foreign investors were net sellers for OMR174,000 while local investors were net buyers for OMR111,000 followed by GCC & Arab for OMR63,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index closed by 0.13 per cent at, 5,690.63 points. Al Ahlia Insurance, Gulf Investment and Bank Muscat were up by 2.84 per cent, 1.52 per cent and 0.58 per cent respectively. Bank Nizwa, Al Anwar Holding and Al Madina Takaful were down by 2.02 per cent, 1.47 per cent and 1.30 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 3,961.20 points, up 0.12 per cent. Oman Cement was up by 1.33 per cent.
Services index was up 0.11 per cent before closing at 1,536.46 points. Al Batinah Power, Dhofar Generating, Omantel and Ooredoo were up by 1.92 per cent, 1.68 per cent, 0.66 per cent, and 0.50 per cent respectively. OIFC and Renaissance Service were down by 1.18 per cent and 1.07 per cent respectively.