On Friday, the Norwegian equity market advanced, with the Oslo OBX index concluding trading 0.52% higher. The session's positive sentiment was largely supported by the Healthcare Equipment & Services, Pharma Biotech & Life Sciences, and Utilities sectors, which collectively bolstered share prices.
Among the top performers, Nel ASA (OL:NEL) led the gains by climbing 4.26%, or 0.09 points, settling at 2.30 by market close. Subsea 7 SA (OL:SUBC) followed closely, increasing 4.23% or 9.60 points to close at an all-time high of 236.40. Yara International ASA (OL:YAR) also contributed positively, rising 3.55%, or 15.10 points, to reach a 52-week peak of 440.00 towards the session's end.
Conversely, the session's most notable decliners included SalMar ASA (OL:SALM), which fell 4.61% or 25.50 points to finish at 528.00. Gjensidige Forsikring ASA (OL:GJFG) declined 4.19%, or 11.60 points, closing at 265.40. Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OL:NOD) dropped 2.76%, equating to 3.80 points, to trade at 134.10.
Market breadth was positive, with 156 advancing shares compared to 97 lagging, while 32 stocks remained unchanged on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
Commodities markets also showed strength on the day. March crude oil futures rose 2.44%, adding 1.45 to reach $60.81 per barrel. Similarly, Brent oil for March delivery increased 2.40%, or 1.54 points, closing at $65.60 per barrel. Meanwhile, the February Gold Futures contract gained 0.94%, or 45.96 points, trading at $4,959.36 per troy ounce.
In currency markets, the euro weakened against the Norwegian krone, with EUR/NOK dipping 0.19% to 11.55. The USD/NOK pair also declined by 0.23%, settling near 9.82. The US Dollar Index Futures reflected a downtrend of 0.20%, standing at 97.97.