MSX index ends marginally lower

Muscat: The MSX index closed at 3,968.77 points, down 0.85 per cent from the previous close. The Sharia Index ended down by 0.28 per cent at 531.62 points.

Al Maha Ceramics, was the top gainer 1.21 per cent while, Oman Cables down 7.69 per cent, was the top loser. Shares of Sohar International Bank were the most active in terms of the number of shares traded as well as in terms of turnover.

A total number of 282 trades were executed during the day's trading session, generating a turnover of OMR1.4 million, with more than 8.88 million shares changing hands. Out of 39 traded securities, 3 advanced, 15 declined and 21 remained unchanged.

At the session close, foreign investors were net sellers for OMR506,000 while domestic investors were net buyers for OMR415,000 followed by GCC & Arab investors for OMR91,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index closed at 6,365.04 points, down 0.56 per cent. Madina Takaful and Bank Muscat were up 1.05 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively. Al Madina Investment, Al Anwar Investment, Sohar International Bank, Bank Dhofar and Bank Nizwa were down 7.02 per cent, 2.06 per cent, 1.87 per cent, 1.57 per cent and 1.04 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 5,986.72 points, down 0.71 per cent. Al Maha Ceramics was the only gainer by 1.21 per cent. Oman Cables Industry, Construction Material, Galfar Engineering and Oman Cement were down 7.69 per cent, 7.50 per cent, 1.33 per cent and 0.84 per cent respectively.

Services Index was down by 0.60 per cent before closing at 1,588.98 points. Ooredoo, Al Batinah Power, Omantel and Renaissance Services were down 3.91 per cent, 2.04 per cent, 1.13 per cent and 0.47 per cent respectively.