VOL. XLI

No. 42

19-October-1998

OMAN

Omani Banking Profits For 1997 Soar

A favorable economic environment marked by a massive appreciation inthe stock market the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) index rose by 141% andthe resultant high levels of investment made 1997 an exceptional year for Omani banks. Thebullish bourse and a 4.8% growth in the oil and gas sector contributed to a 103.8%increase in sectoral profitability as income from market activity, including a string ofsuccessful IPOs,...