Muscat, September 06 (QNA) - The market capitalization of Muscat Securities Market (MSM) rose to OMR 30.063 billion by the close of last week's trading, marking the highest market value in exchange's history.

The increase reflects investor optimism over further gains in stock prices and expected growth in investment returns. Investment funds and institutions boosted their purchases, encouraging individual investors to increase their own buying, which pushed the total trading value last week to OMR 138.3 million, compared to OMR 136.9 million the previous week.

The number of executed transactions jumped by over 80 percent, reaching 21,335 deals, benefiting from strong investor demand and improved performance of listed companies.

The MSM's main index gained 62 points, closing at 5,124 points last week.

Regarding sector performance, the Services Index recorded the highest rise, gaining 50 points, while the Industrial Index increased by 12 points and the Financial Index by 11 points. The Shariah-compliant Index saw a slight decline, losing less than one point and closing at 474 points. (QNA)