Oman's share index closes higher marginally

Muscat: Supported by gains in financial sector stocks, the MSM30 Index closed at 3,918.80 points, higher by 1.40 per cent. The Sharia Index followed suit, closing higher by 0.86 per cent at 535.59 points. Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of traded shares while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. Bank Dhofar, up 4.55 per cent, was the top gainer during the session. Oman United Insurance, down 10 per cent, continued to be the top loser.
A total number of 534 trades were executed during the day's trading session generating turnover of OMR1.92 million with more than 10.96 million shares changing hands. Out of 35 traded stocks, 15 advanced, 5 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 6,331.18 points, up 1.23 per cent. Bank Dhofar, Gulf Investment Services, Bank Nizwa, Bank Muscat, and Sohar International Bank were up by 4.55 per cent, 3.77 per cent, 2.30 per cent, 1.97 per cent, and 1.83 per cent respectively. Oman United Insurance, Al Madina Investment, Oman & Emirates Investment, and Al Madina Takaful were down by 10.00 per cent, 4.17 per cent, 1.33 per cent, and 1.19 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 4,613.25 points, up 0.16 per cent. Raysut Cement, Galfar Engineering, and Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles were up 3.16 per cent, 1.28 per cent, and 0.99 per cent respectively. National Aluminium Product, down 9.47 per cent, closed at OMR0.306.
Services Index closed at 1,968.72 points, up 0.47 per cent. Al Batinah Power, Omantel, and Ooredoo were up by 2.56 per cent, 1.83 per cent, and 1.67 per cent respectively. There were no losers from the sector.