Muscat: The decision is expected to provide investors with a wider time window to execute trading orders, while aligning the exchange more closely with international market practices and supporting its long-term growth ambitions.

According to Adel Waleed, Director of Brokerage at United Securities Company, the extension of trading hours is likely to deliver positive results in both the medium and long term. Speaking to the Oman News Agency, he said the move brings the Muscat Stock Exchange closer to global trading standards and could help attract greater foreign investment, particularly as Oman accelerates its privatisation programme and prepares for new company listings.

Waleed noted that trading activity is expected to recover during the second half of the year, supported by the anticipated listing of several companies owned by the Oman Investment Authority. These listings are expected to diversify sectors represented on the exchange and attract a broader base of retail and institutional investors.

He also highlighted expectations that the Muscat Stock Exchange could be added to the FTSE watch list for emerging markets near the end of the third quarter of this year, a development that could further boost investor confidence and foreign capital inflows.

The market has already shown positive momentum, with the exchange recording gains of more than 1.8 per cent over the last two trading sessions on Sunday and Monday. The benchmark index closed above the 7,750-point mark, supported by buying activity from local investors and foreign institutions.

Waleed added that the banking sector continued to lead market gains, recovering from declines recorded during last Wednesday’s session, while other sectors also contributed positively. Trading volumes remained strong, staying above RO 40 million, reflecting sustained investor interest in the market.