Casablanca Stock Exchange opens lower as MASI index declines

The MASI index opened lower on Monday as the Casablanca Stock Exchange started the week in negative territory. The market’s main benchmark fell 0.74% to 17,709.78 points, extending losses after Friday’s session closed down 1.18%.

Trading activity reflected mixed sentiment across sectors and listed companies despite the broader market decline.

The MASI Mid and Small Cap index, which measures the performance of small and medium-sized listed firms, edged down 0.04% to 1,751.2 points. The MASI 20 index, representing the market’s most liquid stocks, stood at 1,313.55 points. Meanwhile, the MASI ESG index, which tracks companies with strong environmental, social and governance ratings, reached 1,259.25 points.

Among the session’s weakest performers, CTM posted the sharpest decline, dropping 5.86% to MAD 835. Microdata followed with a loss of 5.74% to MAD 706. Disway fell 3.64% to MAD 74, while Ib Maroc.com declined 3.39% to MAD 57. Afriquia Gaz also moved lower, losing 1.32% to MAD 3,651.

Several stocks recorded gains despite the overall market weakness. Holcim Maroc delivered the strongest advance, rising 4% to MAD 1,769. Cartier Saada increased 3.54% to MAD 24.85, while Auto Hall gained 3.08% to MAD 67. Managem climbed 2.48% to MAD 12,400 and Ciments du Maroc added 2.42% to reach MAD 1,649.

The opening figures suggest investors remain cautious after last week’s losses, with selective buying supporting a handful of stocks while broader market indicators continued to trend lower.