Egyptian shares ticked up in quiet trade on Sunday with banks, such as Misr International Bank (MIBank), attracting attention on speculation the government will encourage privatisation, traders said.
The traders also said cement stocks rose as investors looked forward to positive forthcoming third quarter results.
Traders added that Sunday was usually quiet as markets in the United States and Europe were still on their weekend breaks.
The Hermes index rose 106.33 points, or 0.5 percent, to 19,934.97 points, while the broader CIBC index climbed 0.80 points, or 0.8 percent, to end at 101.12 points.
Government officials have said the banking sector will be restructured and at least one of the big public-sector banks will be privatised.
MIBank, one of the day's busiest stocks, last traded up 2.55 Egyptian pounds ($0.41), or 8.2 percent, at 33.60 pounds and officially closed at 33.03 pounds.
"We know what's going on with cements," said one of the traders. "The price per tonne has been rising, exporting has been going well. The results are expected to be good."
Sinai Cement last traded up 1.85 pounds, or 8.8 percent, at 23 pounds and officially closed at 22.71 pounds. Tourah Portland Cement last traded up 2.04 pounds, or 2.9 percent, at 72 pounds and officially closed at 71.02 pounds.