Muscat Stock Exchange Sees Significant Decline in Trading Activity in January

Muscat, January 30 – The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSE) experienced a sharp decline in trading activity in January 2025, with total trading value dropping to RO 75.3 million, a significant decrease from RO 112.1 million in December 2024 and RO 90.1 million in January 2024.

The slowdown was accompanied by a notable reduction in executed deals, which fell to 21,945, compared to over 32,000 in December.

Market Indicators Reflect Slump

The market’s overall performance reflected the downturn, with the MSE’s total market value decreasing by RO 56.1 million, settling at RO 27.538 billion. Despite the release of financial results by public joint stock companies, investor sentiment remained subdued. The MSE 30 Index lost 33 points, closing at 4,543 points, reversing the 13-point gain recorded in December.

Institutional Investments and Sector Performance

Local investment institutions concentrated their trading activities on OQ shares, with OQ Exploration and Production leading the trading charts. The stock accounted for 23.1% of total trading value, executing 3,940 deals worth OMR 17.455 million. OQ Basic Industries followed closely, with a trading value of RO 13.328 million (17.7%), while Bank Muscat, OQ Gas Networks, and Bank Sohar International rounded out the top five most traded stocks.

Sector-wise, the industrial sector was the top performer, gaining 138 points, while the financial sector also saw an increase of 98 points. However, the services sector declined by 50 points, and the Shariah index fell by 10 points.

Top Gainers and Losers

Among individual stocks, Building Materials Manufacturing Company recorded the highest gains, surging 51% to close at 68 baisas. Other notable gainers included Majan Glass (+28%) and Fincorp Financial Center (+24%).

On the losing side, Oman Chrome saw the steepest decline, dropping 21% to RO 3. National Finance and Oman Real Estate Fund also suffered losses, each falling 14%.

Bonds and Sukuk Market Activity

The bonds and sukuk market recorded trades worth OMR 4 million, down from RO 6.9 million in December. The most actively traded bond was leasing finance bonds, with a total value of RO 1.5 million, followed by government development bonds at RO 1 million.

Despite the lower trading volume, the market value of the bonds and sukuk segment increased by RO 293.4 million to reach RO 4.602 billion, supported by the listing of the eighth sovereign sukuk issue, valued at RO 282 million.

Corporate Developments

In corporate news, shareholders of Computer Stationery Manufacturing Company approved its transition from a public joint stock company to a closed joint stock company, with a capital of RO 1 million.

As the MSE navigates the economic landscape, market analysts remain cautious about trading activity trends in the coming months, particularly as global and regional economic factors continue to shape investor sentiment.

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