Muscat: The Muscat Stock Exchange's market capitalization rose to OMR 32.2 billion last week, gaining OMR 213.6 million.

According to Qatar News Agency, the main index hit 5,961 points on Dec. 9, marking its highest level in over nine years, driven by strong demand ahead of year-end trading activities. By Thursday, the index closed at 5,949 points, reflecting an 88-point increase on a weekly basis.

Prices rose for 64 securities, which boosted all sector indices. The financial sector led the gains with a 337-point increase, followed by the industrial sector with a 223-point rise, the services sector with a 50-point increase, and the Sharia index with a 12-point gain.

Despite a 7.5 percent drop in trading value to OMR 199.4 million, demand for leading banking and industrial stocks remained strong. The number of executed trades fell slightly to 25,108, while 10 securities experienced a decline.