MUSCAT : The exchange has maintained a steady upward trajectory since May, when trading value stood at RO 149.4 million. This rose to RO 229.4 million in June and RO 467.8 million in July, with investment funds and companies injecting fresh liquidity that also encouraged stronger participation from individual Omani investors. Their activity represented 21.8% of total trades, worth RO 114.5 million.

MSX’s main index extended its rally in August, gaining nearly 249 points after July’s 280-point jump, and ended the month at 5,029 points, its highest in more than seven years. Sectoral indices also recorded collective gains, led by financials (+252 points), services (+150), industrials (+104), and the Shariah index (+9).

The number of executed transactions surpassed 49,500, the highest monthly figure this year. Energy and banking stocks led the surge, with OQ Gas Networks, OQ Exploration and Production, and leading banks recording strong gains. Bank Muscat topped trading with RO 112.8 million (21.5% of total value), followed by Bank Sohar International at RO 101.2 million. OQ Basic Industries and OQ Gas Networks also saw heavy activity, valued at RO 85.9 million and RO 54.4 million respectively.

Out of all listed securities, 57 rose in value, 27 declined, and 23 remained unchanged. Sembcorp Salalah led gainers with a 22.6% rise, followed by SMN Power Holding (+16.5%) and Muscat Thread Mills (+14.9%). Among the losers, Oman Qatar Insurance fell 9.6%, Oman Fisheries dropped 6.9%, and Al Madina Investment Holding slipped 6.8%.

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