Muscat Stock Exchange Index Dips Below 8,000 Points Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Muscat: The Muscat Stock Exchange's main index fell below the 8,000-point mark at the close of trading last week, settling at 7,959 points on Thursday, its lowest level in two months. This reversed the gains it had been making since March 25, when it first reached the 8,000-point level in 18 years. According to Yemen News Agency, the main index declined by 390 points last week, pressured by several local and international factors. These included geopolitical tensions in the region and fluctuating oil prices, which impacted investor sentiment and led to declines in most Gulf stock markets during the week. The Muscat Stock Exchange experienced a downward trend last week, affecting most leading stocks, as investors awaited the initial public offering (IPO) of 25 percent of the shares of the Oman India Fertilizer Company. Last week, 65 securities recorded a decline, compared to 13 securities whose prices rose and 15 securities that remained at their previous levels.