Norway's stock market closed in positive territory on Thursday, with the Oslo OBX index finishing the session up 1.18% after sector gains were concentrated in Healthcare Equipment & Services, Pharma Biotech & Life Sciences and Utilities.
Leading the winners on the Oslo OBX was Nel ASA (OL:NEL), which climbed 15.40% or 0.40 points to end the day at 2.96. The stock rose to a fresh 52-week high during the session. Storebrand ASA (OL:STB) also moved higher, gaining 3.00% or 5.20 points to close at 178.70, while Cmb.Tech NV (OL:CMBT) advanced 2.74% or 3.40 points to 127.40.
On the downside, Norsk Hydro ASA (OL:NHY) fell 1.16% or 1.20 points to finish at 102.25. Tomra Systems ASA (OL:TOM) declined 1.11% or 1.05 points to trade at 93.75 and Gjensidige Forsikring ASA (OL:GJFG) slipped 0.46% or 1.20 points to end at 259.60.
Market breadth favored advancers, with 155 stocks rising on the Oslo Stock Exchange compared with 104 that fell; 21 issues were unchanged.
Across commodities, crude oil for June delivery eased 1.13% or 1.21 to $105.67 a barrel. Brent crude for July delivery inched up 0.01% or 0.01 to $110.45 a barrel. Precious metals saw gains as the June Gold Futures contract rose 1.54% or 70.04 to trade at $4,631.54 a troy ounce.
Foreign exchange moves were modest. EUR/NOK rose 0.14% to 10.91, while USD/NOK fell 0.32% to 9.30. The US Dollar Index Futures was lower by 0.83% at 98.00.
Market takeaway - The session ended with broad participation in gains, led by health-related sectors and utilities, and with a handful of large-cap names recording declines. Commodity and currency fluctuations accompanied the equity moves.