Muscat: The Muscat Stock Exchange witnessed an exceptional performance during the first nine months of this year, with its index rising by about 31 percent since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, trading volumes recorded remarkable growth, reaching about OMR10.3 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared to about OMR2.4 billion during the corresponding period last year.
Mustafa bin Ahmed Salman, Chairman and CEO of United Securities, explained that this performance reflects a positive growth phase witnessed by the Muscat Stock Exchange, supported by improved results for a number of listed companies, especially those operating in sectors related to oil and petroleum products, and the growing confidence of investors and increased trading liquidity.
He told the Oman News Agency that the inclusion of the stock exchange in the FTSE Russell index watch list is expected to enhance its investment appeal in the coming period and open up wider horizons for local and foreign capital flows.
He added that despite the challenges posed by regional developments, current indicators reflect the market's resilience and its ability to continue growing, with expectations that the next phase will witness broader investment opportunities, especially with the stabilisation of conditions and the strengthening of investor confidence.
Regarding new listings, he explained that 2026 saw the initial public offering (IPO) of one company, the Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco), which contributed to attracting liquidity to the market and achieving remarkable performance for the company's stock after its listing. It is expected that 2027 will witness the IPO of at least three companies, which will enhance market depth and broaden the base of listed companies.
He pointed out that efforts are directed towards diversifying investment products by introducing investment funds that comply with the provisions of Islamic Sharia, and other financial products, which provides wider options for investors of all categories, and enhances the stock exchange’s ability to attract new segments of investors.
He said that daily trading volumes exceeded expectations, rising from averages estimated at around OMR40 million to levels ranging between OMR70 and OMR90 million on some days, reflecting growing investment activity and the flow of more local and foreign liquidity towards the market.
Mustafa bin Ahmed Salman stressed that all these efforts are combined with the ease of procedures for opening investment accounts and the smoothness of dealing in the market, in addition to the joint efforts made by the concerned authorities.
Foremost among them the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the Muscat Stock Exchange and brokerage companies, with the support of the National Programme for Financial Sustainability.
They have helped to develop new financial products and enhance the investment environment, which supports the sustainability of growth and consolidates the position of the stock exchange as one of the main channels for mobilising savings and directing them towards productive investment.