Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM index closed at 3,695.16 points, up 0.43 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended up 0.43 per cent at 524.78 points. Muscat Thread Mills, up 9.72 per cent, was the top gainer while Dhofar Cattle Feed, down 4.21 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Galfar Engineering were the most active in terms of the number of shares traded while Omantel was most active in terms of turnover.

A total number of 644 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR1.47 million, with more than 12.1 million shares changing hands. Out of 40 traded stocks, 16 advanced, 5 declined and 19 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab investors were net sellers for OMR296,000 while domestic investors were net buyers for OMR208,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR88,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 5,706.47 points, up by 0.56 per cent. Muscat Finance, Al Anwar Holding, Al Sharqia Investment Holding, Oman & Emirates Investment Holding, and Sohar International bank were up by 8.11 per cent, 4.69 per cent, 2.82 per cent, 2.27 per cent, and 1.10 per cent respectively. Oman Arab Bank was down 0.53 per cent.

Industrial Index closed at 4,349.67 points, up 0.52 per cent. Muscat Thread Mills, Galfar Engineering, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Al Jazeera Steel, and Al Maha Ceramics were up by 9.72 per cent, 4.44 per cent, 2.23 per cent, 1.40 per cent, and 1.34 per cent respectively. Dhofar Cattle Feed was down 4.21 per cent.

Services index was up by 0.02 per cent before closing at 1,602.64 points. Al Jazeera Services, Phoenix Power, National Gas, and Ooredoo were up 2.51 per cent, 1.96 per cent, 0.69 per cent, and 0.51 per cent respectively. Renaissance Services, Sembcorp Salalah, and Al Maha Petroleum Products were down by 2.29 per cent, 1.00 per cent, and 0.59 per cent respectively.