Muscat:The total market capitalization of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) experienced a decline, falling to OMR 38.589 billion at the conclusion of last week's trading, marking a weekly loss of OMR 96 million.

According to Qatar News Agency, the exchange's main index narrowed its weekly losses, shedding 33 points in contrast to larger declines of approximately 300 and 154 points observed in the two preceding weeks. The improvement was driven by increased purchases from local investment funds, institutions, and individual Omani investors, alongside better performance by shares of several leading companies.

Trading data released by MSX indicated a significant rise in trading value, which surged by 48 percent to OMR 318.9 million last week, up from OMR 214.7 million the previous week. The number of executed transactions remained steady at approximately 75,000 for the second consecutive week. Purchases by local investment funds and institutions increased to OMR 244.3 million, compared to OMR 162.6 million the previous week, while buying by individual Omani investors rose to OMR 41.3 million, up from OMR 30.2 million.

In terms of sectoral performance, the Industrial Sector Index faced the steepest losses, shedding 116 points. This was followed by the Financial Sector Index, which declined by 98 points. Conversely, the Services Sector Index saw a modest increase of 11 points, bolstered by gains in energy stocks following several positive developments announced by companies. The Sharia Index also noted a marginal gain, closing at 609 points. Overall, 53 securities declined during the week, while 24 advanced and 17 remained unchanged.