Muscat: The Muscat Stock Exchange's financial sector index extended its gains for the third consecutive week, benefiting from the rise in shares of banks and investment companies on Saturday.

According to Yemen News Agency, the financial sector index rose by approximately 98 points last week, following a 300-point increase in the previous two weeks. It closed Thursday's trading at 13,034 points, driven by gains in shares of Bank Sohar International, Oman Arab Bank, Ahli Bank, Bank Nizwa, Al Sharqiyah Investment Holding, Ominvest, Al Madina Takaful, United Finance, and several other companies.

The Muscat Stock Exchange witnessed mixed performance last week as investors awaited the initial public offering (IPO) of Oman India Fertilizer Company shares. The exchange's main index ended the week's trading at 7,634 points, recording a weekly decline of 23 points. The industrial sector index fell by 83 points, the services sector index dropped by 37 points, and the Sharia index recorded a decline of one point, closing at 611 points.