MUSCAT – Mustafa bin Ahmed Salman, Chief Executive Officer of United Securities, said the total value of trading during the first four months of the year reached approximately RO 4.3 billion, compared to about RO 5 billion during 2025, reflecting sustained investor demand and increased market activity across different segments.
He told Oman News Agency that investment flows indicated rising activity, particularly from foreign investors. However, he noted that their transactions remain balanced between buying and selling, without a significant increase in long-term holdings. He also highlighted notable growth in the number of Omani individual investors, with some brokerage firms reporting the opening of around one thousand new investment accounts, which is expected to positively impact market performance in the coming period.
He added that strong cash distributions exceeding RO 835 million have supported market attractiveness and strengthened investor confidence in the sustainability of corporate performance, driven by solid financial results.
Salman said new investment products are expected to be introduced in the coming period, expanding investment options and creating additional opportunities. He noted ongoing efforts to enhance brokerage firms’ capabilities and develop expertise, alongside initiatives to include the Muscat Stock Exchange in emerging and global market indices. A joint committee has been formed between the Brokers Association and the stock exchange to follow up on this process and address related challenges.
He added that inclusion in global indices is expected to attract significant foreign investment inflows, increase liquidity, and support the general index, citing international experiences where similar markets recorded growth of no less than thirty percent following index inclusion.
Regarding initial public offerings (IPOs), he said expectations point to two to three listings during the current year, supported by the Oman Investment Authority, across diverse sectors including petrochemicals, which would enhance market depth and diversification.
At the macroeconomic level, he noted that the market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange rose from about RO 29 billion to nearly RO 38 billion, reflecting a significant expansion in asset value.
He attributed part of the market’s positive performance to the impact of initiatives and listings carried out during 2023 and 2024, which began yielding results in 2025 and 2026, supported by improved oil prices.
He added that this positive momentum is expected to continue, with oil prices likely to stabilise between 75 and 80 US dollars per barrel, which would further support the national economy and enhance market performance in the coming period.