Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM index closed at 3,624.54 points, up 0.26 per cent from previous close. The Sharia Index ended up 0.35 per cent at 516.93 points.

Gulf Investment Services, up 5.81 per cent, was the top gainer while Al Hassan Engineering, down 12.50 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Gulf Investment Services was the most active in terms of number of shares traded and Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover.

A total number of 381 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating turnover of OMR1.05 million, with more than 6.0 million shares changing hands. Out of 38 traded stocks, 9 advanced, 6 declined and 23 remained unchanged. At the session close, domestic investors were net buyers for OMR179,000 while GCC & Arab investors were net sellers for OMR146,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR33,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 5,603.16 points, up by 0.31 per cent. Gulf Investment Services, Al Sharqiya Investment Holding, Al Anwar Holding, National Bank of Oman, and Sohar International Bank were up by 5.81 per cent, 4.48 per cent, 1.64 per cent, 1.29 per cent, and 1.09 per cent respectively. Al Madina Takaful and Oman Arab Bank were down by 1.33 per cent and 0.57 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 4,212.05, points, up 0.21 per cent. Raysut Cement and Al Maha Ceramics were up by 1.80 per cent, and 1.40 per cent respectively. Al Hassan Engineering and Al Jazeera Steel Products were down by 12.50 per cent and 0.72 per cent respectively.

Services index was up by 0.21 per cent before closing at 1,570.87 points. Al Jazeera Services and OIFC were up by 3.59 per cent and 3.53 per cent respectively. Sharqiya Desalination and Phoenix Power were down by 10.00 per cent and 1.89 per cent respectively.