Oman's share index ends marginally higher

Taking cues from the upwards momentum in global and regional markets, the MSM30 index closed at 3,445.68 points, up 1.11 per cent from previous close. The Sharia Index ended higher by 0.20 per cent at 512.36 points. Sembcorp Salalah, up 4.17 per cent was the top gainer today while Renaissance Services, down 2.90 per cent was the top loser. Ahli Bank was the most active in terms of number of shares traded as well as in terms of turnover.

A total number of 271 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating turnover of OMR753,000, with more than 5.36 million shares changing hands. Out of 35 traded stocks, 17 advanced, 2 declined and 16 remained unchanged. At the session close, foreign investors were net sellers for OMR84,000 while local investors were net buyers for OMR57,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors for OMR27,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 5,412.48 points, up 1.17 per cent. Vision Insurance, Gulf Investment Services Holding, Ahli Bank, Al Anwar Holding, and Bank Muscat were up by 3.66 per cent, 3.64 per cent, 3.45 per cent, 2.99 per cent, and 2.52 per cent respectively. United Finance Company closed lower by 2.78 per cent.

Industrial Index closed at 4,062.57 points, up 0.88 per cent. Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, Raysut Cement, Salalah Mills, Al Jazeera Steel Products, and Oman Cement were up by 3.88 per cent, 2.87 per cent, 2.00 per cent, 1.08 per cent, and 0.43 per cent respectively. There were no losing stocks from the sector.

Services index was up 0.40 per cent before closing at 1,573.57 points. Sembcorp Salalah, Ooredoo Oman, Al Jazeera Services, Omantel, and OIFC were up by 4.17 per cent, 1.51 per cent, 1.33 per cent, 1.32 per cent, and 1.25 per cent respectively. Renaissance Services was the only stock that closed lower and was down 2.90 per cent.