Norway’s benchmark OBX index closed 0.81% higher on Friday, extending gains to reach its highest level in three months. The advance was led by strength in the healthcare equipment and services, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and utilities sectors.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by 164 to 90 on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with 26 stocks unchanged. The index’s rise reflected broad-based gains across multiple sectors, with notable contributions from key components.
CMB.Tech NV led the gains, rising 4.38% to 171.60, marking a five-year high. The company’s shares added 7.20 points on the session. Norsk Hydro ASA climbed 4.21% to 91.98, while Yara International ASA advanced 3.95% to 450.10 in late trade.
On the downside, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA fell 1.93% to 314.90, Subsea 7 SA declined 1.23% to 338.00, and Var Energi ASA slipped 1.06% to 49.69.
The Norwegian krone weakened against major currencies, with the EUR/NOK rate down 0.49% to 10.86 and the USD/NOK rate falling 0.43% to 9.30. U.S. dollar index futures were little changed, up 0.01% at 98.82.
In commodities, Brent crude oil for October delivery rose 0.12% to $93.89 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude for October fell 0.35% to $86.53 per barrel. December gold futures gained 1.56% to $4,642.79 per troy ounce.
