Muscat Stock Exchange Index Hits 4-Week High Above 7,500 Points

Muscat Stock Exchange Main Index Reaches Highest Level in Four Weeks

Muscat: The main index of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) reached its highest level in four weeks last week, surpassing the 7,500-point mark amid positive market indicators and expectations of interim dividend distributions by several listed companies.

The MSX30 index gained 140 points during the week to close at 7,508 points, its highest level since 15 July 2026.

All sectoral indices recorded gains. The Financial Sector Index led the rise, gaining 190 points to close above 13,150 points. The Industrial Sector Index increased by 75 points to 9,517 points, while the Services Sector Index rose by about 2%, or 57 points, reaching the 3,000-point level. The Sharia Index gained 12 points to close near 600 points.

The positive sentiment followed the completion of announcements of first-half financial results, alongside dividend distribution announcements by OQ Exploration and Production, Asyad Shipping and Pearl Real Estate Investment Fund.

Investors are also awaiting the distribution date to be determined for Al Anqa Energy, which announced its intention last month to distribute special cash dividends of 81 baisas per share, subject to completing the refinancing of existing financing facilities and obtaining the necessary approvals.

The positive market sentiment supported gains in several leading stocks, including Abraj Energy Services, Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest), OQ Exploration and Production, Al Anqa Energy, National Bank of Oman, Omantel, OQ Basic Industries, Al Jazeera Steel Industries and Sohar International Bank.

The MSX’s market capitalisation increased by RO 360.7 million during the week, reaching RO 38.19 billion at the close of trading.

Trading value, however, declined by 7% to approximately RO 246.1 million, compared with RO 264.5 million in the previous week. The number of executed transactions also fell by 6.2% to 41,760, compared with more than 44,000 transactions in the preceding week.

Sohar International Bank topped the companies by trading value at RO 50.5 million, accounting for 20.5% of total trading value. Bank Muscat ranked second at RO 42.3 million, followed by OQ Basic Industries at RO 37.1 million, Omantel at RO 32 million and OQ Exploration and Production at RO 30.2 million.

A total of 37 securities recorded gains during the week. Oman Packaging led the risers, with its share price increasing 10% to 220 baisas, followed by Abraj Energy Services, which gained 9.9% to 398 baisas. Ominvest rose 8.9% to 425 baisas, while Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles increased 7.6% to 140 baisas.

National Detergents gained 4.6% to 650 baisas, while OQ Exploration and Production rose 4.4% to 470 baisas.

Meanwhile, 34 securities recorded declines. Oman Finance Free Bonds 2022 fell 13% to 87 baisas, followed by Al Madina Investment Holding, which declined 11.4% to 62 baisas. Sohar Power fell 9% to 220 baisas, while Takaful Oman Insurance and Al Sharqiyah Desalination each declined 4.7%, closing at 60 baisas and 161 baisas, respectively.