MSX index ends marginally lower

Muscat: The MSX index closed at 4,020.59 points, down 0.13 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended down by 0.37 per cent at 528.65 points.

United Finance, up 4.00 per cent, was the top gainer while, Al Maha Ceramics down 2.44 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Ominvest Perpetual Sukuk were the most active in terms of the number of shares traded as well as in terms of turnover.

A total number of 354 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR8.34 million, with more than 17.49 million shares changing hands. Out of 39 traded securities, 6 advanced, 10 declined and 23 remained unchanged. At the session close, foreign investors were net buyers for OMR675,000 while domestic investors were net sellers for OMR666,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR8,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 6,444.77 points, down 0.02 per cent. United Finance, Muscat Finance, Ahli Bank and Global Investment Holding were up 4.00 per cent, 1.85 per cent, 1.77 per cent and 1.67 per cent respectively. Bank Muscat, Madina Takaful and National Bank Oman were down 1.20 per cent, 1.05 per cent and 0.53 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 5,977.08 points, down 0.42 per cent. Al Maha Ceramics, Galfar Engineering, Jazeera Steel Product and NAPI were down 2.44 per cent, 1.35 per cent, 1.14 per cent and 0.71 per cent respectively.

Services Index was down by 0.15 per cent before closing at 1,574.43 points. SMN Power Holding and OIFC were up 2.33 per cent and 1.41 per cent respectively. National Gas, Sembcorp Salalah and Renaissance Services were down 2.29 per cent, 1.35 per cent and 0.93 per cent respectively.