Muscat: The market capitalization of listed securities on the Muscat Stock Exchange climbed to OMR 30.534 billion by the end of September, marking a monthly gain of approximately OMR 720 million. The exchange extended its upward momentum for the third consecutive month, with the main index rising by 151 points to close at 5,181. This follows gains of 248 points in August and 280 points in July.

According to Qatar News Agency, since May, the Muscat Stock Exchange has witnessed elevated trading activity, driven by increased buying from domestic funds and institutional investors amid a wave of positive corporate disclosures. This trend has positively impacted share prices, index performance, and overall market capitalization.

Sectoral indices recorded broad-based gains, with the exception of the Sharia-compliant index, which dipped by 10 points to close at 465. The financial sector posted the highest point-based increase, adding 152 points to reach 8,524. The industrial sector rose by 21 points to 7,031, while the services sector led in percentage growth, surging 6.2 percent to close at 2,080, buoyed by strong performance in energy and telecom stocks.

Trading value remained robust for the second month in a row, totaling OMR 511.1 million in September, compared to OMR 524.8 million in August and OMR 467.8 million in July. Executed transactions reached their highest level this year, exceeding 81,600 deals, up from 49,517 in August. The month also saw price increases in 46 securities, while 34 securities registered declines.