Muscat: The average daily trading rate on the Muscat Stock Exchange climbed to RO 28.7 million, up from RO 26.9 million a week earlier. Omani individual investors strengthened their buying positions, accounting for 16.3% of total trading value compared to 10.5% in sales. In contrast, local investment funds and institutions turned net sellers, contributing 84.4% of total sales against 75.3% in purchases.

Despite the shortened trading week, the MSX recorded RO 86.1 million in total turnover across 12,491 transactions. Investor attention centred heavily on the banking sector, with Bank Muscat and Bank Sohar International together representing more than 48% of all trading value.

Bank Muscat led the board with RO 27.8 million in trades, 32.3% of total turnover, while Bank Sohar International recorded more than RO 14 million, representing 16.3%. Strong interest also flowed into OQ Group companies. OQ Exploration and Production saw RO 11.7 million in trading value (13.6%), OQ Basic Industries reached RO 8.2 million, and OQ Gas Networks attracted over RO 6 million (7%).

Market indices ended the week mixed. While the financial sector index gained 50 points and the industrial index rose 39 points, declines were seen across other benchmarks: the services sector index fell 12 points, the Sharia index slipped 3 points, and the main index dropped 11 points to close at 5,635, marking its second consecutive weekly decline.

Market capitalisation closed at RO 31.383 billion, reflecting marginal losses of RO 1.6 million. Of the actively traded securities, 32 rose, 27 fell, and 26 remained unchanged.

Top performers included Salalah Port Services, up 10% to 330 baisa, International Financial Investments Holding, up 9.7% to 181 baisa, and Oman Finance Free Bonds (2020), which increased 6.6% to 80 baisa.
Leading decliners were Financial Services, down 9.3% to 116 baisa, Dhofar Food and Investment, also down 9.3% to 68 baisa, and Al Anwar Investments, falling 3.9% to 98 baisa.

In corporate updates, the National Mineral Water Company announced the successful completion of its RO 4 million bond subscription at an issue price of RO 1 per bond. The 7-year, unsecured, non-convertible bonds carry a fixed return of 8%, payable semi-annually. The company described the issuance as a key milestone that will support long-term performance goals and strengthen its financial position.

Meanwhile, Majan College Company invited shareholders to its Annual General Meeting on December 11, where members will vote on a proposal to distribute 7.2 baisa cash dividends and approve 10% bonus shares, increasing the company’s capital from RO 9 million to RO 9.9 million.