The MSM30 index ended the last session of the week on a negative note to close at 5,388 shedding 12 points and 0.23 per cent lower than the previous session, the sixth consecutive decline, trading volume recorded 11.15 million shares down by 45.3 per cent compared to the previous session, trading value amounted to RO 1.6 million against RO 2.8 million in Wednesday’s session down by 42 per cent.

All major sectors declined with the financial sector closing down by 0.55 per cent, the industrial sector 0.33 per cent and the services sector 0.21 per cent. Of 38 traded stocks 7 advanced, 17 declined and 14 remained unchanged.

Al Batinah Development and Investment was the most prominent gainer for the day closing up by 3.33 per cent at RO 0.031 followed by Oman United Insurance which advanced by 2.10 per cent at RO 0.146, Taageer Finance increased 1.74 per cent and closed at RO 0.117. Ahli Bank went up 1.44 per cent at RO 0.141 and Oman Telecommunications 0.68 per cent at RO 1.331.

Ahli Bank was the most active in terms of volume with 1.067 shares or 17.51 of the total volume traded. The share of Voltamp Energy topped the list of losers and closed down by 4.49 per cent at RO 0.234 followed by OMINVEST which declined by 2.96 per cent and closed at RO 0.361.

The total revenue of MSM 30 companies for 2011 touched RO 2.902 billion, registering an increase of 8.5 per cent on a year on year basis on the back of improved performance by the index majors.