Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM index closed at 3,557.77 points, up 0.06 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended up 0.15 per cent at 517.74 points.

Al Omaniya Financial up 4.29 per cent was the top gainer while National Finance, down 9.29 per cent, was the top loser. Gulf Investment was the most active in terms of the number of shares traded and Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover.

A total number 331 of trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR1.01 million, with more than 6.8 million shares changing hands. Out of 34 traded stocks, 5 advanced, 8 declined and 21 remained unchanged. At the session close, foreign investors were net sellers for OMR424,000 while local investors were net buyers for OMR324,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR100,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 5,621.77 points, down by 0.13 per cent. Al Omaniya Financial Service and Gulf Investment were up by 4.29 per cent and 3.33 per cent respectively. National Finance, Al Madina Takaful, Al Sharqia Investment, National Bank of Oman and Bank Dhofar were down by 9.29 per cent, 2.67 per cent, 1,52 per cent, 1.25 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 3,998.18 points, up 0.25 per cent. Al Anwar Ceramic was up by 0.208 per cent. Al Jazeera Steel, Raysut Cement and National Aluminium were down by 2.44 per cent, 1.31 per cent and 1.15 per cent respectively.

Services index was up 0.36 per cent before closing at 1,609.75 points. Musandam Power, Ooredoo, Renaissance Service and Al Jazeera Service were up by 3.77 per cent, 2.08 per cent, 1.18 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively. SMN Power, OIFC, National Gas and Omantel were down by 8.33 per cent, 2.2 per cent, 2.0 per cent and 0.65 per cent respectively.