MSX Records Strongest Weekly Trading of 2025: What This Surge Means for Investors and Business Owners in Oman
MUSCAT: The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) experienced its highest weekly trading volume of 2025 last week, propelled by robust activity in banking shares, subsidiaries of OQ Group, and other leading listed companies. This surge coincided with the release of preliminary third-quarter financial results from most firms.
Trading volume reached RO 240.9 million, marking a 26.2 percent increase from RO 190.8 million recorded the previous week. The number of executed transactions also rose substantially, climbing to 25,171 from 19,529.
Sohar International was the top traded stock, accounting for 21.4 percent of the total value with transactions worth RO 51.6 million. It was followed by Bank Muscat at RO 42.8 million, OQ Base Industries with RO 35.8 million, Asyad Shipping at RO 28.6 million, and OQ Gas Networks, which contributed RO 24.5 million, representing 10.1 percent of the total traded value.
The MSX main index gained 40 points, closing at 5,289. The financial index surged by 169 points to 8,923, the industrial index increased by 32 points, and the services index rose slightly by 4 points. Conversely, the Sharia index fell by 4 points to close at 461.
Despite the significant increase in trading, the overall market value decreased to RO 30.597 billion, a decline of RO 108.5 million. This drop was mainly due to a fall in the bonds and sukuk market, which fell below the RO 5 billion mark. Additionally, shares on the parallel market, particularly OQ Exploration and Production, declined by 16 baisas, reducing its market value by RO 128 million to RO 2.592 billion.
Last week, 38 securities advanced, 30 declined, and 30 remained unchanged. Al Anwar Investments led the gains with a 14.4 percent increase to 103 baisas, followed by Leva Group (up 13.4 percent), Oman and Emirates Investment Holding (11.4 percent), Oman Qatar Insurance (9.7 percent), and Al Jazeera Steel Products (9 percent).
On the downside, Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles experienced the largest loss, dropping 10.9 percent to 146 baisas. Other notable decliners included Muscat Finance (down 7.2 percent), Al Madina Investment (6.9 percent), Al Maha Ceramics (6.4 percent), and OQ Exploration and Production (4.7 percent).
In corporate developments, Al Batinah Power and Al Suwadi Power announced ongoing discussions with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company regarding a new power purchase agreement (PPA) to replace their current contract expiring in March 2028. Both companies submitted proposals on September 28, including options for agreements lasting up to 15 years.
Separately, Sembcorp Salalah confirmed the signing of a new power and water purchase agreement with Nama, effective from April 2027 through April 2037. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The surge in Muscat Stock Exchange trading volume, led by banking and OQ Group subsidiaries, signals renewed investor confidence and sectoral momentum, presenting strategic opportunities for businesses to capitalize on heightened market activity. However, the simultaneous decline in market value, especially in bonds, sukuk, and parallel market shares, highlights potential risks from market volatility and sector-specific challenges. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should monitor financial results closely, diversify portfolios, and explore emerging power sector developments, such as new long-term PPAs, to align with Oman’s evolving energy landscape.
