Muscat, May 30 (QNA) - The benchmark index of the Muscat Stock Exchange rose 143 points last week to close at 7,775, marking its first weekly gain after four consecutive weeks of declines, supported by renewed investor buying following recent losses in share prices.

All sector indices ended the week higher, led by the financial sector index, which advanced 217 points as banking and investment company stocks resumed their upward trend. The services sector index gained 68 points, buoyed by energy stocks and several other companies, while industrial firms helped lift the industrial sector index by about 42 points. The Shariah index also rose by around 10 points to close at 622.

Share prices of 50 companies increased during the week, compared with declines in 14 companies, while 20 stocks remained unchanged. The broad-based gains boosted the market capitalization of the Muscat Stock Exchange, which added about OR 327 million during the week to end at OR 37.12 billion.

Trading took place on only two days last week, as the exchange was closed for three days for the Eid Al-Adha holiday. Total trading value reached OR 103.2 million, with 12,683 transactions executed during the week. (QNA)