Norwegian equities ended Wednesday's session in positive territory, with the Oslo OBX rising 0.49% to register a new all-time high. Sector strength was concentrated in Healthcare Equipment & Services, Pharma Biotech & Life Sciences and Utilities, which supported the broader market advance.
Among individual names on the Oslo OBX, Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OL:NOD) led gains, finishing up 5.20% or 6.50 points at 131.50. DnB ASA (OL:DNB) climbed 3.32% or 9.40 points to 292.90, hitting an all-time high in the process. Tomra Systems ASA (OL:TOM) also posted a positive result, ending the day 2.01% or 2.50 points higher at 126.70.
On the downside, Aker BP ASA (OL:AKRBP) recorded the steepest drop among OBX constituents, falling 3.47% or 9.50 points to close at 264.20. Cmb.Tech NV (OL:CMBT) declined 3.10% or 3.80 points to 118.80, and Hoegh Autoliners ASA (OL:HAUTO) eased 2.90% or 3.20 points to finish at 107.30.
Market breadth on the Oslo Stock Exchange was negative at the close, with 156 shares falling and 98 advancing; 27 issues were unchanged.
Already notable in the session was the rise in DnB ASA (OL:DNB) to an all-time high, advancing 3.32% or 9.40 points to 292.90.
Commodities saw modest gains during the trading day. Crude oil for March delivery rose 0.43% or 0.27 to $63.48 per barrel. Brent oil for April delivery increased 0.53% or 0.36 to $67.69 per barrel. The April Gold Futures contract advanced 0.73% or 35.84, trading at $4,970.84 a troy ounce.
Foreign exchange moves were also evident at the close. EUR/NOK was up 0.75% at 11.44, while USD/NOK rose 0.90% to 9.70. The US Dollar Index Futures traded 0.23% higher at 97.52.
Summary of key intraday developments:
- Oslo OBX rose 0.49% to a fresh record high.
- Leading sectors included Healthcare Equipment & Services, Pharma Biotech & Life Sciences and Utilities.
- Top gainers: Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OL:NOD), DnB ASA (OL:DNB), Tomra Systems ASA (OL:TOM).
- Largest decliners: Aker BP ASA (OL:AKRBP), Cmb.Tech NV (OL:CMBT), Hoegh Autoliners ASA (OL:HAUTO).