MSX Rises by 51 Points: Implications of Strong Earnings for Investors and Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT: The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) maintained its positive momentum last week, gaining 51 points to close at 5,654 points, driven by encouraging earnings reports from listed companies for the first half of 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive week of growth for the exchange, primarily fueled by enhanced financial performance and rising investor confidence.
The financial sector index increased by 5 points, while the services sector saw a rise of 7 points. The Shariah index remained stable at 449 points. Conversely, the industrial sector index experienced a decline of 70 points, influenced by losses in companies such as Oman Flour Mills, Al Maha Ceramics, and Voltamp Energy, among others.
Trading activity surged, with the number of executed transactions rising by 14% to 10,600, up from 9,290 in the previous week. The total value of trades remained robust at RO 82.4 million, reflecting increased liquidity from investment funds and institutions.
Market capitalization rose by RO 206.7 million, reaching RO 28.643 billion by the end of Thursday’s session. OQ Base Industries led trading activity with a value of RO 21.9 million, representing 26.5% of total trades. Asyad Shipping and Bank Muscat followed closely, with transactions worth RO 15.1 million and RO 14.4 million, respectively.
Among the 42 securities that gained in value, Muscat Insurance topped the list with a 20.3% increase to 794 baisas. Oman Oil Marketing surged by 11.9% to 750 baisas, and Dhofar Food and Investment rose by 11.2% to 79 baisas. Additionally, Oman Education and Training observed a 10% increase to 1,320 baisas, while Salalah Port Services added 8.3% to 260 baisas.
In contrast, several companies faced declines. National Aluminium Products fell by 15.8% to 85 baisas, and International Financial Investments dropped 11.7% to 135 baisas. Al Madina Investment decreased by 8.8% to 41 baisas, while Oman Flour Mills declined by 7.6% to 469 baisas.
On the corporate front, Asyad Shipping announced the arrival of a new 308,000-tonne crude oil tanker, "Qurayyat," as part of a $206 million deal involving the acquisition of two tankers, with the second vessel expected soon.
Liva Group, a significant player in the insurance sector, has restructured its debt portfolio by consolidating loans into a new RO 63 million credit facility with Bank Sohar International, aiming to reduce borrowing costs and enhance capital allocation.
Finally, Phoenix Power Company confirmed it will distribute dividends on July 28, as approved during its AGM in March, at a rate of 3.5 baisas per share. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent upward trend of the Muscat Stock Exchange signals a burgeoning confidence among investors, presenting promising opportunities for businesses to attract capital and bolster growth. However, the decline in the industrial sector raises risks that entrepreneurs must navigate, particularly in sectors facing financial strain. Smart investors should consider diversifying their portfolios while closely monitoring sector performances to capitalize on emerging trends in the financial and services sectors.
