Saturday 15 / August / 2026
Muscat: The main index of the Muscat Stock Exchange recorded its best level in four weeks at the end of trading session on Thursday, exceeding the 7,500-point mark amid several positive indicators. In addition, several companies also announced the distribution of interim dividends to their shareholders during the coming weeks.
The index rose 140 points during the week and closed at 7,508 points, recording its best level since July 15. Sectoral indices recorded a collective rise, led by the financial sector index, which rose 190 points and closed above 13,150 points. The industrial sector index rose 75 points and closed at 9,517 points. The services sector index climbed to the 3,000-point level, recording a weekly increase of about 2 percent, equivalent to 57 points. The Sharia index recorded an increase of 12 points and closed to near the 600-point level.
The Muscat Stock Exchange benefited from the positive atmosphere following the completion of the announcement of the financial results for the first half of this year. Also, the announcement of distribution of profits to their shareholders during the coming period by OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP), Asyad Shipping and Pearl Real Estate Investment Fund also lifted the sentiments on MSX.
While investors are waiting for the determination of the distribution date of Al Anqa Energy, which announced last month that it intends to distribute special cash dividends of 81 baisa per share after completing the refinancing of existing financing facilities through local banks. The company noted that it is working on auditing the financial statements for the period ending on June 30, and will then call for a meeting of the Ordinary General Assembly to consider this proposal after obtaining the necessary approvals.
This atmosphere boosted further optimism in the week's trading, leading to a rise in the shares of many leading companies such as Abraj Energy Services, Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest), OQ Exploration and Production, Al Anqa Energy, National Bank of Oman, Omantel, OQ Basic Industries, Al Jazeera Steel Industries, Bank Sohar International, and many other shares whose gains were reflected in the stock exchange indices and supported the atmosphere of optimism.
During the week, the Muscat Stock Exchange recorded gains in its market capitalisation estimated at OMR360.7 million, concluding trading at OMR38.18 billion.
The week also saw a 7 percent decline in trading value, which fell to about OMR246.1 million compared to OMR264.5 million in the week before. The Muscat Stock Exchange also recorded a 6.2 percent decline in the number of transactions executed which fell to 41,760 during the week compared to more than 44,000 in the previous week.
Bank Sohar International topped the list of most traded companies in terms of trading value, with trades worth OMR50.5 million, representing 20.5 percent of the total trading value. Bank Muscat came in second with trades worth OMR42.3 million, OQ Basic Industries came in third with trades worth OMR37.1 million, Omantel came in fourth with trades worth OMR32 million, and OQ Exploration and Production came in fifth with trades worth OMR30.2 million, representing 12.2 percent of the total trading value.
During the week MSX saw the rise in the prices of 37 securities, most notably Oman Packaging, whose share rose by 10 percent and closed at 220 baisa, Abraj Energy Services, whose share rose by 9.9 percent and closed at 398 baisa, Ominvest, whose share rose to 425 baisa, an increase of 8.9 percent, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles, whose share rose by 7.6 percent and closed at 140 baisa, National Detergents, whose share rose to 650 baisa, recording an increase of 4.6 percent, and OQ Exploration and Production, whose share rose by 4.4 percent and closed at 470 baisa.
In contrast, MSX also saw a decline in the prices of 34 securities, most notably Oman Finance Free Bonds 2022, which fell by 13 percent and closed at 87 baisa. Al Madina Investment Holding shares fell by 11.4 percent and closed at 62 baisa, Sohar Power shares fell to 220 baisa, recording a decline of 9 percent. Takaful Oman Insurance shares fell by 4.7 percent and closed at 60 baisa, and Al Sharqiyah Desalination shares also recorded a decline of 4.7 percent and closed at 161 baisa.
