Oman's share index closes lower marginally

Muscat: The decline in financial sector stocks dragged the MSM30 Index marginally lower. The benchmark index closed at 3,864.65 points, down 0.16 per cent. The Sharia Index on the other hand, closed higher by 0.13 per cent at 531.01 points. OIF was the most active in terms of traded shares while Renaissance Services was the most active in terms of turnover. Al Madina Investment, up 4.35 per cent, was the top gainer during the session. Oman United Insurance, down 4.76 per cent, was the top loser.
A total number of 298 trades were executed during the day's trading session generating turnover of OMR886,000 with more than 6.90 million shares changing hands. Out of 29 traded stocks, 6 advanced, 8 declined and 15 remained unchanged. At the session close, Omani investors remained as net sellers for OMR212,000 while GCC & Arab investors were net buyers for OMR125,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR87,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index closed at 6,254.09 points, down 0.39 per cent. Al Madina Investment, Al Anwar Holding, and National Bank of Oman were up by 4.35 per cent, 2.08 per cent, and 1.25 per cent respectively. Oman United Insurance, Bank Dhofar, Gulf Investment Corporation, Al Sharqiya Investment Holding, and Alizz Islamic Bank were down by 4.76 per cent, 4.35 per cent, 1.85 per cent, 1.33 per cent, and 1.23 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 4,605.76 points, up 0.07 per cent. Raysut Cement, up 3.27 per cent, closed at OMR0.316. Galfar Engineering and Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles were down by 1.27 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively.
Services Index closed at 1,959.53 points, up 0.66 per cent. Renaissance Services and OIFC were up 4.35 per cent and 1.19 per cent respectively. There were no losers from the sector.