The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) experienced a significant increase in market value last year, with a record-breaking climb of approximately OMR 3.8 billion. This surge was attributed to a combination of factors including rising share prices of listed companies, capital increases by certain firms, and the addition of new companies to the closed market. By the end of 2024, the total market value of securities listed on the MSX had reached OMR 27.595 billion, with publicly listed companies contributing OMR 12.332 billion to this total, reflecting a gain of OMR 3.365 billion.
The closed market also saw a rise in its market value, reaching OMR 10.953 billion by the end of the year, an increase of OMR 550 million. However, the bonds and sukuk market witnessed a decline of OMR 122.3 million, closing at around OMR 4.309 billion. The addition of new companies to the market contributed to an increase in trading value, which reached OMR 1.257 billion in 2024, marking an 11 percent growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of executed transactions grew significantly, increasing by 39 percent from 184,000 to over 257,000 trades.
The MSX main index concluded the year with a 62-point gain, closing at 4,576 points. The financial sector index saw a rise of 333 points, closing at 7,725 points, while the services sector index posted the highest percentage gain among all indices, with an increase of 11.3 percent (177 points) to close at 1,743 points. On the other hand, the industrial sector index experienced a decline of 204 points, closing at 5,270 points, and the Sharia-compliant index dropped by 21 points to close at 425 points.
Throughout the year, 61 securities saw an increase in their stock prices, while 59 experienced declines, and 19 remained stable. Energy companies were among the top gainers, rebounding from challenges faced in the previous years, while industrial companies recorded the most significant losses. This overall positive trend in the market was fueled by various factors and indicators, showcasing a promising outlook for investors and stakeholders in the Muscat Stock Exchange.
