Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM index closed at 3,679.34 points, up 0.56 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended down 0.20 per cent at 522.55 points. Galfar Engineering, up 9.76 per cent, was the top gainer while Oman Flour Mills, down 5.41 per cent, was the only loser. Shares of Galfar Engineering were the most active in terms of the number of shares traded as well as in terms of turnover.

A total number of 423 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR0.72 million, with more than 7.3 million shares changing hands. Out of 27 traded stocks, 17 advanced, 1 declined and 9 remained unchanged. At the session close, domestic investors were net buyers for OMR36,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR18,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR17,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 5,674.93 points, up by 0.42 per cent. Al Anwar Holding, National Bank of Oman, United Finance, and Bank Muscat were up by 4.92 per cent, 2.50 per cent, 2.27 per cent, and 0.51 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 4,327.08 points, up 0.72 per cent. Galfar Engineering, Al Jazeera Steel, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, National Aluminium Products, and Gulf International Chemicals were up 9.76 per cent, 4.38 per cent, 4.26 per cent, 3.49 per cent and 2.94 per cent. Oman Flour Mills was down 5.41 per cent.

Services index was up by 0.66 per cent before closing at 1,602.28 points. Renaissance Services, Al Jazeera Services, OIFC, Sembcorp Salalah, and National Gas were up 2.94 per cent, 2.14 per cent, 1.11 per cent, 1.01 per cent, and 0.70 per cent respectively.