The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) closed Thursday’s trading session on a strong note, with its benchmark index rising more than 1 percent amid a surge in trading activity and investor optimism across key sectors.
The MSX 30 Index advanced by 53.9 points, or 1.04 percent, to close at 5,249.58 points, compared to the previous session’s level of 5,195.65 points. The upward movement reflects renewed investor confidence in the local market, supported by robust corporate performance and steady oil prices, which continue to underpin sentiment in Oman’s economy.
According to data released by the exchange, the total trading value for the day stood at OMR 43.34 million — a sharp increase of 53.8 percent compared with Wednesday’s session, which recorded transactions worth OMR 28.18 million. Analysts attributed the spike in trading volumes to strong buying interest in banking and industrial stocks, which have shown resilience in recent weeks.
The report also showed that the overall market capitalization rose by 0.445 percent to reach approximately OMR 30.71 billion, indicating broader investor participation across listed companies.
Market observers noted that the sustained rise in the MSX index aligns with a broader positive trend seen across Gulf markets, as regional economies benefit from ongoing diversification efforts and stable energy revenues. In Oman, government reforms and strategic investments in logistics, mining, and renewable energy have helped reinforce market confidence, drawing both institutional and retail investors.
“The steady performance of the Muscat market reflects improving fundamentals and growing investor appetite for Omani equities,” said a Muscat-based market analyst. “Liquidity levels are rising, and we are seeing renewed activity across multiple sectors, suggesting continued momentum into the next quarter.”
Financial and industrial shares remained the most actively traded during the session, while energy-related firms also saw modest gains following a slight uptick in global oil prices. The banking sector, in particular, has benefited from higher interest rates and solid credit growth, contributing to improved profitability across major lenders.
With the index closing above the 5,200-point mark for the first time in several sessions, analysts believe the MSX is well-positioned to extend its gains in the near term, provided market conditions remain stable.
The Muscat Stock Exchange, one of the Gulf’s most steadily performing markets, continues to play a vital role in supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives, fostering private sector growth and expanding investment opportunities within the Sultanate.
