The Egyptian stock market rose sharply on Monday, with the benchmark EGX 30 index breaking the 42,000-point barrier for the first time in its history. The index closed at 41,963.24 points, gaining 0.5 per cent on the day and marking a year-to-date increase of about 41 per cent, reflecting strong investor confidence amid ongoing market support measures. Market observers attributed the rally to government and regulatory efforts to bolster liquidity and investor sentiment in the local bourse. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser