𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞

The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) returned to positive territory in August, with its benchmark index gaining 4.5% and closing above 7,600 points. The index added 326 points after losing more than 1,090 points during May, June and July.

The recovery was broad-based, with all major sector indices recording gains. The financial sector rose by 463 points to 13,385, while both the services and industrial sectors gained 147 points. The Shariah Index also increased by around 32 points.

Market value strengthened significantly, reaching RO38.64 billion by the end of August—an increase of more than RO1.05 billion from July. Trading activity also improved for the third consecutive month, with transaction value rising to RO976.4 million, compared with RO920.9 million in July and RO776.1 million in June.

Market analysts attributed the recovery to higher oil prices, renewed buying by Gulf investors and strong corporate results. The earlier market correction also brought several stocks to more attractive valuation levels, encouraging local and international investors to return.

Looking ahead, expectations of a potential FTSE index upgrade could provide another catalyst for the Omani market by attracting additional foreign investment.