MSX market cap surpasses RO 28 billion
MUSCAT: The market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) climbed to over RO 28 billion last week, supported by weekly gains of RO 79.3 million as several stocks ended higher. The MSX's main index closed at 4,578 points, up 17 points, maintaining the momentum seen over the past five weeks.
The services sector index gained 5 points, driven by strong performances from Ooredoo, Omantel and OQ Gas Networks. In contrast, the industrial and financial sector indices dropped by 17 and 10 points, respectively, while the Shariah index recorded a marginal decline.
The daily trading volume increased to RO 11 million, up from RO 10 million the previous week. The average daily number of transactions also rose, reaching 2,149 compared to 1,787. Trading was limited to four days due to the Eid Al Adha holiday.
OQ Base Industries dominated activity with trades worth RO 10.58 million — 24 per cent of the week's total trading value of RO 44 million. Its share price rose by 4 baisas to close at 122 baisas. Bank Muscat followed with RO 5.49 million in trades, while OQ Gas Networks, Sohar International Bank, and OQ Exploration and Production rounded out the top five most traded stocks.
Market performance remained buoyant with 34 securities gaining, 30 losing and 17 remaining unchanged. Muscat Gases posted the highest weekly gain at 18 per cent, closing at 118 baisas. Galfar Engineering rose 9 per cent to 72 baisas, while National Gas gained 8.8 per cent to 86 baisas.
National Gas Company also announced the acquisition of an 80-per cent stake in Samharam Gas Company, which operates LPG bottling and distribution in Dhofar. The deal is expected to enhance the company's market position and profitability.
In corporate news, Al Anwar Investments reported a surge in net profits from RO 532,000 to approximately RO 2.4 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. Its board approved a 4-per cent cash dividend and a 4-per cent bonus share issue, subject to approval at the AGM on June 25. The share closed last week at 83 baisas, down 2 baisas. — ONA
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Mahas Industrial City investments surpass RO 41 million
KHASAB: Total investments in Mahas Industrial City in Musandam Governorate have exceeded RO 41.7 million by the end of 2024, according to the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). The city, located in the Wilayat of Khasab, spans an area of 1.5 million square metres and has seen the completion of key infrastructure works, including a 7-kilometre road network, sidewalks, solar-powered street lighting, water and sewage networks, a water tank, a sewage treatment plant, a guard gate, and a protective channel for the main valley. Mubarak bin Salem al Ghailani, Acting Director General of Mahas Industrial City, reported that eight new projects were approved in 2024 with investments exceeding RO 2.5 million, covering more than 49,900 square metres. The city now has a total leased area of 229,600 square metres and employs around 320 people. In 2024, three building permits were issued, along with several map approvals and work permits, all in line with Madayn's regulatory framework. Eight land surveying requests were also processed. Al Ghailani also noted that construction is ongoing for the Madayn Pioneer Complex, which is intended to support startups and SMEs. Spread over 10,000 square metres, the complex will feature 10 ready-built, expandable factories, external parking, and full support facilities. Mahas Industrial City aims to attract investments in food security, logistics, and light to medium industries. Its strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz and proximity to Khasab Port, Khasab Airport, and regional markets such as the UAE and Iran offer logistical advantages for investors. — ONA
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Muscat Stock Exchange hails Oman as attractive destination for foreign investors
Muscat Stock Exchange hails Oman as attractive destination for foreign investors thanks to stable political climate, skilled workforce and well-developed logistics infrastructure. Over 300 global institutional investors met with more than 100 Middle East corporates and all seven bourses from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at HSBC's GCC Exchange Conference in London this week. The event comes as tariff uncertainty reshapes capital flows, with global investors increasingly turning to the Gulf for stable yield, reform-driven growth and maturing capital markets. Now in its fourth year, conversations at the conference focused on the increasing appeal of the GCC as the region continues to register record IPO pipelines, deepen sovereign and corporate bond markets and expand private credit platforms – all underpinned by strong fiscal buffers and multi-year economic transformation agendas. The continued liberalisation of GCC financial markets and the introduction of privatisation programmes by GCC governments are converging at a time when investors are seeking diversification from global volatility. GCC capital markets remained resilient in the first quarter of the year with IPO proceeds 33% higher compared to the first quarter of 2024, despite a slowdown in issuances globally.[1] Haitham Salim Al Salmi, CEO, Muscat Stock Exchange, said: 'We are working with the Oman Investment Authority and the government to pave the way for sizable and profitable private companies as part of their divestment plan. We aim to enhance MSX's contribution to the national economy through our main initiatives such as launching an SME listing platform, facilitating accessibility to the market and establishing international linkages in parallel with our subsidiary Muscat Clearing & Depository.' Elie El Asmar, Chief Executive, HSBC Oman commented: 'Oman has an increasingly powerful story to tell global investors which is evidenced by a surge in foreign direct investment over the past five years, liberalisation of foreign ownership rules and huge strides taken in the journey from emerging to developed market status. Strategic reforms, robust infrastructure and a strong commitment to economic diversification continue to unlock new opportunities for international partnerships and sustainable growth.' This year, for the first time, HSBC brought together Emerging Market (EM) Macro Strategists with GCC attendees, as EM investors dial-up their exposure to the Gulf's capital markets driven by strong GDP projections relative to the broader EM pool.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Strengthening the MSX is a national imperative
The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) is working to strengthen the institution's activities to position it among the region's financial markets in the coming period and to attract more investments to the Omani capital market. Recently, the MSX, in cooperation with the Gulf Capital Markets Association (GCMA), hosted a financial conference attended by several prominent figures in the financial and investment sectors. The conference focused on discussing the most prominent challenges and opportunities facing the region's financial markets in light of current economic and technological changes, and ways to develop a more efficient and attractive investment environment. The goal of this activity was to enhance the position of the Omani capital market, making it an advanced financial center, and to provide an integrated investment environment in line with international best practices. The question raised in this regard is related to the causes required to make the Muscat Stock Exchange an attractive market for domestic and foreign investments, and to understand the challenges facing the market at this stage. There are several factors that can be worked on to improve the stock market's operations and make it more attractive, including diversifying investment instruments and developing and expanding trading mechanisms and securities, such as providing investment funds and new financial instruments to increase diversity and attract a larger segment of investors. It is also crucial to enhance transparency and corporate governance standards and implement international standards to ensure the protection of investor rights and reduce risks. Furthermore, it is important to improve the systems and technologies used in trading to provide a faster and safer environment, while relying on financial technology (FinTech), facilitating procedures, reducing bureaucracy, and improving registration and approval procedures to make the market more flexible and responsive to investor demands. Finally, it is important to raise awareness about investment opportunities and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility to attract investors who focus on these standards. In addition, it is important to encourage foreign direct investment, issue legislation that encourages foreign investors, and provide incentives and facilitation for market entry. The Omani stock market faces several challenges, including a lack of liquidity and weak trading volume, which reduces its attractiveness and limits investors' ability to enter and exit easily. It also relies heavily on changes occurring in the oil and energy sector, making the market vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. Some believe there is a need to further improve governance and disclosure standards, increase investor confidence, and close legislative gaps that could lead to uncertainty or reduce investment incentives. They also believe there is a need to increase the number of financial institutions and related services to provide adequate investment support tools and mechanisms. It is also important to enhance financial literacy and raise awareness of the importance of long-term investment and sustainability. The market must have a comprehensive strategic vision focused on diversifying the economy and achieving political and regulatory stability to attract more investment. In order to enhance the daily buying and selling activity in the Omani stock market and increase trading volume, there are several factors and methods that can be developed and improved, the most important of which are increasing market liquidity, improving the market's ability to provide diverse and attractive financial instruments, in addition to encouraging investors to submit their trades by offering incentive programmes, especially for individual investors that can increases investors' ability to execute transactions quickly and without delay.
