Casablanca Stock Exchange ends lower in a mixed session for key sectors

The Casablanca Stock Exchange closed in negative territory on Thursday, with a modest decline that still matters for Moroccans abroad who follow their investments back home.

Casablanca Stock Exchange indices edge lower

The main benchmark of the Casablanca Stock Exchange, the MASI, fell by 0.27% to 18,785.4 points. The move is limited in size, but comes in a session marked by solid trading activity.

The MASI 20, grouping the 20 most liquid stocks, also slipped 0.27% to 1,353.07 points. The MASI ESG index, which tracks companies with the best environmental, social and governance scores according to Moody’s ESG Solutions, eased by 0.08% to 1,401.47 points.

Mid and small caps did not escape the correction either: the MASI Mid and Small Cap index dropped 0.32% to 1,808.1 points, confirming a broader consolidation across the market.

Sectors under pressure and sectors gaining ground

The session showed a clear contrast between sectors. The steepest sector losses were recorded by:

• forestry and paper (-4.12%);
• IT equipment, software and services (-2.07%);
• oil and gas (-0.76%).

On the stock level, several names came under selling pressure, including Med Paper (-4.12% at 24.65 MAD), SMI (-3.65% at 6,600 MAD), HPS (-2.99% at 650 MAD), TotalEnergies Marketing Maroc (-2.21% at 1,503 MAD) and Involys (-2.09% at 126.3 MAD).

On the upside, a few sectors managed to post solid gains. Chemicals advanced 1.79%, leisure and hotels rose 1.56% and pharmaceuticals gained 1.38%. Among individual winners were BMCI (+2.45% at 618.9 MAD), SNEP (+2.05% at 349 MAD), Cartier Saada (+2.05% at 22.45 MAD), Risma (+1.56% at 326 MAD) and Sothema (+1.47% at 364.9 MAD).

Strong volumes and most traded stocks

Turnover exceeded 248.41 million dirhams, mainly on the central market. Three stocks dominated trading: Managem (116.64 million MAD), CFG Bank (18.59 million MAD) and TGCC S.A (16.98 million MAD). These flows show where investor attention is currently focused.

Total market capitalisation stood at more than 1,105.91 billion dirhams, underlining the importance of the Casablanca Stock Exchange in Morocco’s financial landscape.

What this means for Moroccans living abroad

For Moroccans living abroad who already hold Moroccan shares or funds invested on the this case, Thursday’s 0.27% decline in the MASI is relatively small on a long-term portfolio horizon. It mainly reflects profit-taking and sector rotations.

However, the session still offers a few useful signals for those considering investing part of their savings in Morocco, whether to prepare a future return or to diversify their income sources:

• cyclical segments such as forestry-paper or certain tech stocks show higher volatility;
• areas like chemicals, tourism-related hospitality and pharmaceuticals posted positive moves in this session;
• large, liquid blue chips that concentrate most trading remain central for any sizeable portfolio.

Before making decisions, it is advisable to consult your bank in Morocco or in your country of residence, or a qualified investment adviser, and to check the latest data and rules on official and professional channels.

Equity investments on the this issue are by nature medium to long term and involve market risk. For Moroccans abroad who want to strengthen their financial ties with Morocco, the market can complement real estate or traditional savings products, provided they carefully assess their risk profile.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.