Norway's stock market closed higher on Monday as sector gains in Healthcare Equipment & Services, Pharma Biotech & Life Sciences and Utilities drove the index up. The Oslo OBX finished the session up 1.24% and recorded a new all time high.
On the Oslo OBX, the session's strongest performer was Nel ASA (OL:NEL), which climbed 6.97% - a rise of 0.15 points - to finish at 2.24. Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OL:NOD) also posted a notable advance, adding 6.18% or 9.20 points to close at 158.10. Aker BP ASA (OL:AKRBP) was another top gainer, up 5.14% or 16.40 points to end the day at 335.20.
At the lower end of the index, Yara International ASA (OL:YAR) fell 2.50%, a decline of 14.20 points, to trade at 552.80 at the close. Norsk Hydro ASA (OL:NHY) dropped 2.14% or 2.06 points to finish at 94.04, while Hoegh Autoliners ASA (OL:HAUTO) slipped 0.08% or 0.10 points to 123.50.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with 153 stocks rising against 106 that fell, and 20 remaining unchanged.
Aker BP ASA (OL:AKRBP) in particular rose to 3-years highs, climbing 5.14% or 16.40 points to close at 335.20.
Commodities moved lower during the trading day. Crude oil for May delivery lost 2.71% or 2.62 to settle at $94.22 a barrel. Brent crude for May slipped 1.27% or 1.31 to $101.83 a barrel. In precious metals, the April Gold Futures contract fell 1.35% or 68.54 to trade at $4,993.16 a troy ounce.
Currency markets showed the Norwegian krone strengthening versus major currencies. EUR/NOK declined 0.10% to 11.13, while USD/NOK fell 0.69% to 9.69. The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.40% at 99.71.
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