Oman's share index ends marginally higher

The MSM30 index closed at 3,520.05 points, up 0.018 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended up by 0.23 per cent at 518.87 points. United Power, up 9.78 per cent was the top gainer while Al Batinah Power, down 3.70 per cent was the top loser. Al Anwar Ceramic was the most active in terms of a number of shares traded as well as in terms of turnover.
A total number of 384 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR0.85 million, with more than 6.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 40 traded stocks, 12 advanced, 9 declined and 19 remained unchanged. At the session close, GCC & Arab investors were net sellers for OMR231,000 while foreign investors were net buyers for OMR192,000 followed by local investors for OMR38,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index closed at 5,582.58 points, up 0.11 per cent. Al Omaniya Financial Service, Gulf Investment, HSBC Bank Oman, Bank Nizwa and Bank Muscat were up by 3.95 per cent, 1.59 per cent, 1.09 per cent, 1.0 per cent and 0.59 per cent respectively. Al Anwar Holding, National Bank of Oman and Ominvest were down by 1.30 per cent, 0.62 per cent and 0.59 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 4,020.60 points, up 0.10 per cent. Galfar Engineering and Raysut Cement were up by 1.96 per cent and 0.63 per cent respectively. Voltamp Energy and Al Anwar Ceramic were down by 1.32 per cent and 0.74 per cent respectively.
Services index was up 0.08 per cent before closing at 1,585.73 points. United Power, Al Jazeera Service, Phoenix Power, Ooredoo and Omantel were up by 9.78 per cent, 2.44 per cent, 1.89 per cent, 0.99 per cent and 0.62 per cent respectively. Al Batinah Power, Al Suwadi Power, National Gas and Muscat Gases were down by 3.7 per cent, 3.7 per cent, 0.58 per cent and 0.54 per cent respectively.