Oman's share index rises marginally

Muscat: The MSM30 closed the week at 3,934.62 points, an increase of 0.12 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index ended slightly lower at 535.29 points with barely any change. Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat led in turnover for the day. National Life & General Ins, up 8.89 per cent, was the top gainer while the top loser was National Gas, which lost 4.76 per cent.
A total number of 672 trades were executed during the day's trading session generating turnover of OMR3.24 million with more than 19.57 million shares changing hands. Out of 34 traded stocks, 10 advanced, 12 declined and 12 remained unchanged. At the session close, Omani investors were net buyers for OMR572,000 while GCC and Arab investors were net sellers for OMR286,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR286,000 worth of shares.
Financial Index decreased 0.12 per cent to end at 6,314.64 points. National Life & General Ins, Al Sharqia Investment Holding and Bank Muscat was up by 8.89 per cent, 1.23 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively. Muscat Finance, Al Madina Takaful, Sohar International Bank, Ahli Bank and National Bank of Oman declined 2.78 per cent, 1.15 per cent, 0.89 per cent, 0.83 per cent and 0.61 per cent respectively.
Industrial Index closed at 4,671.83 points, up by 0.12 per cent. Dhofar Cattle Feed, Almaha Ceramics and Galfar Engineering were up by 5.56 per cent, 2.21 per cent and 1.22 per cent respectively. Oman Fisheries and Oman Cement lost 3.03 per cent and 0.39 per cent respectively.
Services Index had gain of 0.29 per cent to close at 2,032.18 points. Renaissance Services, Phoenix Power, Sembcorp Salalah and Omantel gained 2.9 per cent, 2.35 per cent, 0.83 per cent and 0.34 per cent respectively while National Gas, Al Suwadi Power, OIFC, Al Jazeera Services and Dhofar Generating Company were down by 4.76 per cent, 2.44 per cent, 2.41 per cent, 1.67 per cent and 0.52 per cent respectively.