Muscat: The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) strengthened its gains during the week, with the main index rising for the seventh consecutive week, benefiting from the rise in shares of banks, industrial companies, services, investment and energy companies.The main index closed at the end of trading session at 7,647 points, up by 19 points. Over the past seven weeks, the index has managed to rise by more than 530 points, benefiting from improved local economic indicators and increased profits of companies listed on the stock exchange. The sectoral indices recorded a collective rise, led by the industrial sector index, which rose 130 points and closed above the 9,940 point level. The financial sector index rose to about 13,560 points, an increase of 123 points. The services sector index rose 17 points, and the Sharia index recorded an increase of 5 points and closed at 622 points.The total market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange rose to OMR39.44 billion at the end of the week’s trading, recording weekly gains of OMR530.6 million.The week also saw an increase in the number of transactions executed, with investors focusing on the shares of Bank Sohar International, OQ Basic Industries, OQ Gas Networks, Bank Muscat, Asyad Shipping, Oman India Fertiliser Company, OQ Exploration and Production, and Bank Dhofar.The number of transactions executed reached approximately 47,000, compared to 44,000 in the preceding week, registering an increase of 6 percent. However, the value of trading declined by 19 percent, from OMR244.7 million to OMR196.9 million.Bank Sohar International topped the list of most traded companies in terms of trading value, with trades worth OMR51.4 million, representing 26.1 percent of the total trading value. OQ Basic Industries came in second with trades worth OMR37.3 million, OQ Gas Networks came in third with trades worth OMR21.4 million, Bank Muscat came in fourth with trades worth OMR20 million, and OQ Exploration and Production came in fifth with trades worth OMR19.5 million, representing 9.9 percent of the total trading value.Over the week, investors have shown increased interest in shares of Al Anwar Investments, Raysut Cement, International Financial Investments, Al Madina Investment Holding, and Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles.The number of securities that recorded an increase during the week amounted to 45 securities, compared to 29 securities whose prices declined and 24 securities that remained unchanged at their previous levels.The stock of the building materials manufacturing company recorded the highest gains, rising by 15.4 percent and closing at 82 baisa. The stock of Al Madina Investment rose by 13.7 percent and closed at 83 baisa. The stock of Al Anwar Investments rose to 216 baisa, rising by 13.6 percent. The stock of Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles rose by 7.4 percent and closed at 158 baisa. The stock of Oman Arab Bank rose to 280 baisa, rising by 280 baisa.The share of Al Hassan Engineering (under liquidation) led the losing shares, declining by 16.6 percent and closing at 5 baisa. The National Bank of Oman's free bonds 2026 declined by 9.8 percent and closed at 101 baisa. The share of the Financial Center declined by 6 percent and closed at 94 baisa. The share of Al Batinah Development and Investment fell to 70 baisa, declining by 5.4 percent. The share of Bank Dhofar recorded a decline of 4.6 percent and closed at 207 baisa.Company news: The Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco) has invited its shareholders to attend the Ordinary General Meeting on September 30. The meeting will consider the Board of Directors' proposal to distribute cash dividends to shareholders in the amount of 6.763 baisa per share.The company’s stock rose 7 baisa and closed at 216 baisa after climbing to 219 baisa, its best level since the company was listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange last July. The stock saw trading worth OMR9.5 million during the week, and the company’s market value rose to OMR1.4449 billion, recording weekly gains of OMR46.8 million.