Oman's share index closes higher marginally

Muscat: The MSM30 Index ended higher at 3,954.74 points, up by 0.33 per cent. The Sharia Index also followed suit, closing higher by 0.28 per cent at 540.11 points. Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of traded volume while as well as turnover. Al Anwar Ceramics up 3.96 per cent, was the top gainer during the session while Al Omaniya Financial Services, down 8.26 per cent, was the top loser.
A total number of 469 trades were executed during the day's trading session generating turnover of OMR487,000 with more than 5.27 million shares changing hands. Out of 26 traded stocks, 11 advanced, 8 declined and 7 remained unchanged. At the session close, foreign investors switched to net buyers for OMR39,000 while Omani investors were net sellers for OMR22,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR17,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index closed at 6,332.56 points, down 0.15 per cent. Al Madina Takaful and Sohar International Bank increased by 2.44 per cent and 0.90 per cent respectively. Al Omaniya Financial Services, Al Madina Investment, Al Anwar Holding and Muscat Finance declined by 8.26 per cent, 4.17 per cent, 3.33 per cent and 1.52 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 4,699.36 points, up by 0.58 per cent Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Oman Fisheries, Galfar Engineering and Raysut Cement increased by3.96 per cent, 3.23 per cent, 2.41 per cent and 0.57 per cent respectively.
Services Index closed at 1971.28 points, down 0.42 per cent. Omantel and OIFC gained by 2.07 per cent and 1.16 per cent respectively. Oreedoo Oman was the only loser and was down by 0.41 per cent to close at OMR0.488.