Muscat: Increased investor interest and active participation by local investment institutions fueled the market’s growth.

The main index closed the week at 4,800 points, registering a weekly gain of 49 points. The financial sector led the rally, with a notable increase of 98 points. However, the industrial sector faced a slight decline of 59 points, primarily due to weaker performances by leading companies like Julphar Engineering and Contracting, Al Maha Ceramics, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, and Al Safa Foods.

The positive market sentiment boosted the market capitalization to RO 24.736 billion, a weekly increase of RO 134 million. Trading activity also surged, with the trading value reaching RO 17.2 million, up from RO 11.7 million in the previous week. The number of executed deals increased by 20 percent to 3,439.

Oman Arab Bank’s perpetual bonds emerged as the most actively traded security, accounting for 29 percent of the total trading value. Bank Muscat and OQ Gas Networks followed closely behind.

Price movements were mixed, with 33 securities gaining value, 26 declining, and 14 remaining stable. Voltamp Energy and Muscat Thread Mills were among the top gainers, while Galfar Engineering and Contracting, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, and Al Madina Investment Holding experienced significant declines.

In corporate news, Oman Flour Mills Company signed a usufruct agreement with Omran Group for two land plots. The agreement will enable the company to expand its operations and storage facilities.

The Muscat Stock Exchange also listed the capital increase of Salalah Mills Company and the International Gas Services Company on the parallel and third markets, respectively.