Muscat – The Muscat Stock Exchange’s (MSX) main index recorded its best level in nearly nine years last week, surpassing the critical 5,800-point mark. The surge was driven by increased demand for several leading stocks ahead of the end of 2025 trading and the release of preliminary financial results in approximately five weeks.

The MSX concluded one of its strongest trading weeks of the year, with the main index reaching its highest level since February 2017. Total market capitalisation recorded weekly gains of over RO600mn, reaching RO31.986bn by the end of last week’s trading.

The main index rose by around 4% last week, closing at 5,860 points, a gain of 224 points. The financial sector index climbed 320 points, or 3.5%, to close at 9,445 points. The industrial sector index increased by 204 points, benefiting from gains in shares of Oman Cables Industry, Al Safa Foods, OQ Base Industries, Al Jazeera Steel Products and several other leading industrial companies.

The services sector index, supported by OQ Gas Networks, Asyad Shipping, Abraj Energy Services, Omantel and several other energy companies, rose 73 points to finish the week at around 2,400 points. The Sharia index also gained, rising 18 points, or 3.7%, to close at 510 points.

Trading value last week rose to RO215.7mn, compared with RO86.1mn and RO134.6mn in the previous two weeks. Shares of Bank Muscat, Sohar International, OQ Base Industries, Asyad Shipping and OQ Exploration and Production attracted investors, with trading exceeding RO154.7mn, representing 71.7% of total trading value.

Last week, the prices of 57 securities rose, while 14 declined and 21 remained unchanged.

Last week, MSX listed the 78th issue of Government Development Bonds, valued at RO100mn, and the 79th issue, valued at RO20mn. It also listed unsecured, non-convertible subordinated bonds issued by the National Mineral Water Company, valued at RO4mn.

On the third market, MSX listed the capital increase of National Destination for Leisure and Tourism through a private placement of 47.9mn shares, raising the company’s capital from RO38.5mn to RO86.4mn. The company is one of the entities established by Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) to support the sultanate’s tourism sector.

In company news, Bank Dhofar announced it has issued RO100mn in Tier 2 capital subordinated loans, distributed across various tranches, through a private placement in 2025. The bank noted that the Central Bank of Oman approved the issuance, representing a significant step in strengthening its capital base and aligning with regulatory requirements and the bank’s strategic objectives.