Norway's equity market finished the trading day in positive territory on Friday, with the Oslo OBX rising 0.22% to reach a new all-time high. Sector strength in Healthcare Equipment & Services, Pharma Biotech & Life Sciences and Utilities supported the advance.
At the close in Oslo, the index's gains were reflected in select large-cap performers and a generally favorable breadth reading. On the Oslo OBX, Frontline Ltd (OL:FRO) led the winners by rising 3.00% - an increase of 8.00 points - to close at 274.50. Cmb.Tech NV (OL:CMBT) added 2.95% or 3.60 points to finish at 125.60, and Hoegh Autoliners ASA (OL:HAUTO) was up 2.67% or 2.80 points to 107.70 in late trade.
Not all names participated in the rally. The heaviest declines on the OBX included Norsk Hydro ASA (OL:NHY), which fell 2.71% or 2.40 points to end the session at 86.32. Tomra Systems ASA (OL:TOM) slipped 1.61% or 2.10 points to 128.10, and TGS NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (OL:TGS) declined 1.46% or 1.50 points to 101.00.
Market internals showed that advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the Oslo Stock Exchange by 159 to 92, while 29 stocks finished unchanged. Two names on the OBX advanced to 52-week highs during the session: Frontline Ltd (OL:FRO) and Cmb.Tech NV (OL:CMBT), each marking fresh annual peaks at their respective closing prices.
Commodity and currency moves accompanied the equity action. Crude oil for March delivery increased 0.29% or 0.19 to trade at $65.61 a barrel. In related markets, Brent oil for April delivery rose 0.32% or 0.22 to $69.81 a barrel. In contrast, the April Gold Futures contract experienced a steep decline of 5.17% or 276.99, settling at $5,077.81 a troy ounce.
Currency pairs tied to the Norwegian krone showed modest shifts: EUR/NOK rose 0.14% to 11.42, while USD/NOK climbed 0.75% to 9.60. The US Dollar Index Futures advanced 0.53% to 96.65.
Overall, the session combined selective equity leadership with divergent moves in commodities and foreign exchange markets. The record close for the Oslo OBX came amid sector-specific gains rather than a uniform upward move across the board.