MSX Turnover Surges to RO 3.5 Billion: What This Growth Means for Investors and Businesses in Oman
MUSCAT: The Muscat Stock Exchange experienced a significant surge in trading value during the first quarter of this year, reaching RO 3.5 billion. This marks a substantial increase from approximately RO 434.1 million in the same period last year and RO 2.6 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The quarter benefited from enhanced liquidity inflows driven by domestic institutional investors and individual participants. This positive momentum was supported by improving economic indicators, higher earnings reported by listed public shareholding companies, and more robust financial disclosures. Additionally, dividend payouts and announcements of new projects across several firms contributed to the market’s activity.
Monthly trading values demonstrated a consistent upward trend, starting at RO 836.8 million in January, climbing to RO 1.2947 billion in February, and peaking at RO 1.4264 billion in March. The number of executed transactions also saw a dramatic increase, rising to approximately 335,000 for the quarter compared to 57,000 during the equivalent period in 2025.
The benchmark index achieved three record milestones, breaking the 6,000-point mark on January 5, 7,000 points on February 11, and 8,000 points on March 29. The quarter concluded with the index at 8,168 points, reflecting a gain exceeding 2,300 points over three months.
Foreign ownership in public shareholding companies stood at 14.2 percent by the end of March. Non-Omani investors made purchases totaling RO 418.7 million, representing 11.7 percent of the total trading value, with sales amounting to RO 395.2 million, or 11.1 percent.
In terms of trading volume, Sohar International led with RO 656.3 million, followed by Bank Muscat at RO 575.8 million. OQ Exploration and Production ranked third with RO 522.5 million, ahead of OQ Base Industries at RO 472.4 million, while Omantel recorded RO 333.3 million.
The bond and sukuk market segment posted trading values totaling RO 31.3 million, including RO 11.2 million from the sixth sovereign sukuk issuance, RO 8.1 million from the third issuance, and RO 4.8 million related to Sohar International’s unsecured subordinated perpetual bonds. This segment saw a total of 749 transactions.
Brokerage activity was dominated by United Securities with a 19.3 percent share of total trades, followed by Ubhar Capital at 15.6 percent. An additional market-making entity at Ubhar Capital accounted for 14.6 percent, while the Liquidity Development Fund held 12.4 percent. United Securities also appeared among the top five brokers with a 10.7 percent share. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The sharp surge in trading value on the Muscat Stock Exchange to RO 3.5 billion in Q1 2026, driven by strong domestic and foreign investor interest, signals growing confidence in Oman’s economic recovery and market transparency. For businesses, this momentum opens opportunities for capital raising and expansion amid rising liquidity and investor appetite. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now consider leveraging this bullish trend by focusing on high-performing sectors and companies with robust earnings and dividends while remaining mindful of market volatility inherent in rapid growth phases.
