Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Muscat: The MSM index closed at 3,641.48 points, up 0.37 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended up 0.03 per cent at 518.17 points. Sohar International Bank, up 3.09 per cent was the top gainer while Galfar Engineering, down 2.33 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Sohar International Bank was the most active in terms of the number of shares traded while Sovereign Sukuk Issue 3 was the most active in terms of turnover.
A total number of 313 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR4.9 million, with more than 6.7 million shares changing hands. Out of 32 traded stocks, 12 advanced, 3 declined and 17 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab investors were net buyers for OMR36,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR28,000 followed by local investors for OMR8,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index closed at 5,780.92 points, up by 0.37 per cent. Sohar International Bank, National Bank of Oman and Bank Muscat were up 3.09 per cent, 0.64 per cent, and 0.53 per cent respectively. Al Sharqiya Investment Holding closed lower by 1.41 per cent.
Industrial Index closed at 4,050.85 points, up 0.29 per cent. National Aluminium Products, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Al Jazeera Steel Products, Oman Cement, Raysut Cement were up 1.14 per cent, 0.99 per cent, 0.96 per cent, 0.84 per cent, and 0.62 per cent respectively. Galfar Engineering closed lower by 2.33 per cent.
Services index was up by 0.12 per cent before closing at 1,605.01 points. OIFC, Muscat City Desalination, and National Gas were up 2.20 per cent, 1.03 per cent, and 0.63 per cent respectively. There were no losers from the sector.