Oman's share index ends marginally lower

Muscat: The MSX index closed at 3,993.76 points, down 0.14 per cent from previous close. The Sharia Index down 0.04 per cent at 584.85 points.

Salalah Mills, up 10.00 per cent, was the top gainer on Wednesday, while Dhofar Generating, down 2.34 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of number of shares traded as well as in terms of turnover.

A total number of 401 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating turnover of OMR3.5 million, with more than 12 million shares changing hands. Out of 47 traded stocks, 11 advanced, 14 declined and 22 remained unchanged.

At the session close, foreign investors were net sellers for OMR98,000 while local investors were net buyers for OMR64,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR34,000 worth of shares.    

Financial Index closed at 6,368.20 points, down 0.13 per cent. Prices of Al Anwar Investment, Ahlia Insurance and Bank Muscat were up 1.71 per cent, 0.56 per cent and 0.45 per cent respectively. United Finance, Vision Insurance, National Bank Oman, Bank Nizwa and Al Sharqia Investment were down 1.67 per cent, 1.22 per cent, 1.11 per cent, 1.02 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 5,881.64 points, up 1.18 per cent. Prices of Salalah Mills, Oman Cables Industry, Voltamp Energy, Oman Flour Mills and Al Anwar Ceramics were up 10.00 per cent, 4.33 per cent, 4.00 per cent, 1.05 per cent and 0.89 per cent respectively. Oman Cement, Raysut Cement, Dhofar Cattle Feed and National Aluminium Product were down 2.13 per cent, 1.49 per cent, 1.20 per cent and 0.83 per cent respectively.

Services Index was up by 0.08 per cent before closing at 1,713.98 points. Prices of Phoenix Power, Renaissance Services and Muscat Gases were up 2.17 per cent, 1.83 per cent and 1.18 per cent respectively. Dhofar Generating, Oman Telecommunication and Ooredoo were down 2.34 per cent, 1.02 per cent and 0.52 per cent respectively.