Oman's share index closes higher marginally

Muscat: The MSM30 Index ended higher at 3,982.71 points, up by 0.24 per cent. The Sharia Index also followed suit, closing higher by 1.05 per cent at 550.52 points. Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of traded volume while Raysut Cement was the most active in terms of turnover. Muscat City Desalination, up 7.55 per cent, was the top gainer during the session while Al Maha Ceramics, down 3.14 per cent, was the top loser.
A total number of 728 trades were executed during the day's trading session generating turnover of OMR2.12 million with more than 16.89 million shares changing hands. Out of 31 traded stocks, 13 advanced, 5 declined and 13 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab investors were net sellers for OMR298,000, while Omani investors switched to net buyers for OMR298,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR60,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index closed at 6,368.07 points, up 0.21 per cent. Gulf Investment Services, National Bank of Oman, Al Madina Takaful, Muscat Finance, and Al Anwar Holding were up 3.64 per cent, 3.03 per cent, 2.38 per cent, 1.54 per cent, and 1.12 per cent respectively. Bank Dhofar and Ahli Bank were down 1.46 per cent, and 0.83 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 4,752.49 points, up by 0.98 per cent. Raysut Cement, Voltamp Energy, Oman Cement, and Oman Fisheries were up by 6.08 per cent, 5.88 per cent, 3.80 per cent, and 1.52 per cent respectively. Al Maha Ceramics, and Al Anwar Ceramics declined by 3.14 per cent, and 0.94 per cent respectively.
Services Index closed at 1,971.63 points, up 0.49 per cent. Muscat City Desalination, Phoenix Power, OIFC, and Renaissance Services were up by 7.55 per cent, 3.66 per cent, 2.30 per cent, and 0.83 per cent respectively. Omantel was the sole loser from the sector and the stock closed at OMR0.582, down 1.02 per cent.