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Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.
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 Santhosh V. Perumal
Santhosh V. Perumal
Santhosh V. Perumal, a postgraduate in Econometrics with an advance qualification in Capital Markets and Financial Services, is Gulf Times' journalist. His coverage areas are debt and equity, hydrocarbons, international trade, environment, banks, insurance and real estate. Previously, he was in New Delhi, India as Senior Finance Correspondent of PTI.
Standard Chartered Qatar chief executive officer Muhannad Mukahall.
Business
Qatar's economy expected to double by 2031: Standard Chartered

Qatar’s economy is expected to double in size by 2031, aided by the country’s ability to restore government revenues to pre-2014 oil price shock levels, according to Standard Chartered, a leading international banking group.The primary drivers behind this recovery include higher hydrocarbon prices and a surge in global demand for energy, particularly within the LNG or liquefied natural gas market.Terming Qatar’s return to pre-2014 government revenue levels as a "significant" milestone in its economic journey, Standard Chartered, Qatar chief executive officer Muhannad Mukahall, said, this was neither coincidental or accidental "but in fact strategically driven by a combination of higher hydrocarbon prices, increased global demand for LNG, and substantial economic diversification efforts within sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and finance."Currently, Qatar ranks as the sixth-largest gas producer in the world and holds the third-largest gas reserves, allowing the Gulf state to leverage rising hydrocarbon prices effectively.Qatar's strategic expansion of LNG capacity, set to increase output at the North Field by 85% by 2025, is poised to further boost revenues. Notably, this expansion is expected to nearly double natural gas output by the end of 2030 from the current 77mn tonnes per year (mtpy) with the bank’s recent Global Focus Economic Outlook Q2-2024 forecast pointing towards a ‘calm before the upsized gas boom’. The bank’s research team expects Qatar’s gas production to last for a period of 140 years as per the current rate.The global oil market has experienced significant changes since the 2014 oil price shock. While the bank acknowledges a recovery in previously low oil prices, these remain volatile due to geopolitical risks, production level adjustments, and shifts in global demand.Despite recent price volatility driven by geopolitical factors and demand fluctuations, robust demand persists, particularly during the summer months, with Brent crude forecasted to hit around $100 per barrel by year-end. Such dynamics, combined with technological advancements and a shifting geopolitical landscape, continue to shape the global oil market within the broader context of an ongoing energy transition.Qatar’s economic diversification efforts are anchored by the Third National Development Strategy (2023-30), which plays a crucial role in the recovery of its government revenues, reducing economic dependence on hydrocarbons and enhancing resilience to price fluctuations, it said.Qatar’s non-oil economy comprises two-thirds of Qatar’s GDP (gross domestic product) and has seen significant contributions from sectors such as real estate and construction, financial services, trade, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. Such sectors have not only created new revenue streams but also provided employment opportunities, supported by substantial infrastructure investments.The LNG sector has been a major revenue contributor, accounting for about 70% of total government revenue and 80% of export receipts.Investments in downstream industries have bolstered the manufacturing and petrochemical sectors, adding value to Qatar’s hydrocarbon sector. The construction and real estate sectors have also seen growth, driven largely by infrastructure projects and real estate development, particularly those related to the World Cup and Qatar National Vision 2030 development plan.The report made special note of the role of international financial institutions and foreign investment, both of which have supported Qatar’s diversification strategy, particularly in non-oil sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, finance, and logistics.Qatar has implemented a series of reforms to improve the investment climate, including easing restrictions on foreign ownership, establishing free zones, and enhancing the legal and regulatory framework for businesses - all of which have successfully attracted significant infrastructure and energy sector investments from around the world.

Amidst rising expectations of an interest rate cut in the US by next month, the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.03% to 10,158.57 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,117 points
Business
QSE edges up marginally amid domestic funds’ buying interests

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday gained mere three points despite domestic institutions' strong buying interests.Amidst rising expectations of an interest rate cut in the US by next month, the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.03% to 10,158.57 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,117 points.The real estate, telecom and consumer goods counters saw higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.21%.As much as 58% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.17bn or 0.08% to QR587.94n on the back of microcap segments.The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.17mn trade across 10 deals.The foreign retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the foreign funds were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the incline.The Total Return Index was up 0.03%, the All Islamic Index by 0.23% and the All Share Index by 0.02% in the main market.The realty sector index gained 0.85%, telecom (0.37%), consumer goods and services (0.24%) and transport (0.07%); while industrials declined 0.13% and banks and financial services (0.04%). The insurance index was rather unchanged.Major movers in the main bourse included Al Faleh Educational Holding, Barwa, Beema, Qatar Electricity & Water, Medicare Group and Inma Holding. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, QLM, QIIB, Gulf International Services, Salam International Investment, Industries Qatar and Commercial Bank were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR17.79mn compared to QR1.36mn on August 19.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened notably to QR3.39mn against QR0.49mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.87mn compared with net sellers of QR1.65mn on Monday.However, the foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR14.39mn against QR1.68mn on August 19.The Qatari individual investors’ net profit booking grew markedly to QR5.94mn compared to QR2.73mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR1.66mn against net buyers of QR4.06mn on Monday.The Gulf individuals turned net profit takers to the tune of QR1.04mn compared with net buyers of QR0.2mn on August 19.The Arab institutions’ net selling eased marginally to QR0.02mn against QR0.04mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market were up 7% to 101.84mn shares, value by 21% to QR272.09mn and transactions by 19% to 11,948.The venture market saw 88% surge in trade volumes to 3.93mn equities, 94% in value to QR8.49mn and 51% in deals to 224.

Nakilat is exploring options in tapping the emerging large-scale ammonia sea transportation market as part of strengthening its expansion strategy
Business
Nakilat to seize business opportunities in global ammonia transportation market

Nakilat is exploring options in tapping the emerging large-scale ammonia sea transportation market as part of strengthening its expansion strategy.The ammonia market is expected to grow rapidly, driven by several green and blue ammonia production projects announced in the Middle East and other regions."We are closely monitoring these developments to seize the potential business opportunities," Nakilat said in its latest internal magazine Voyages."Future use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier will drive ammonia market expansion and commissioning of new production projects. This will necessitate employment of specialised large-scale ammonia gas carriers to support international trade," Nakilat said.In January 2024, Nakilat placed an order with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) for two LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers and four very large LPG (liquefied petroleum gas/ammonia carriers (VLGC or very large gas carriers/VLAC or very large ammonia carriers) as part of its international fleet diversification and expansion programme."The new VLAC vessels will expand the company’s presence in the growing LPG trade and emerging large-scale ammonia seaborne transportation market," it said.Highlighting that ammonia emerges as one of the low-carbon fuel with transformative (potential provided using renewable energy); it said global demand is expected to increase to 688mn tonnes by 2050 from 183mn tonnes in 2020.More than half of currently available ammonia is produced in China, the US, India and Russia, using hydrogen formed from natural gas and coal, then combined with nitrogen separated from the air using electricity, the Voyages said.Adding these new vessels will further enhance its presence in the international shipping market and demonstrate the company’s technical and commercial capabilities.These carriers are slated to be deployed in major projects with leading energy companies, leveraging the strong growth of LNG trade worldwide.Nakilat secured 25 conventional and nine QC-Max new build LNG carriers from QatarEnergy through a highly competitive international tender for the historic LNG fleet expansion programme under the North Field East (NFE) project.These vessels will be built at shipyards in South Korea and China, supervised by Nakilat’s site team, and will be employed on long-term contracts with QatarEnergy."This ensures the safe delivery of LNG worldwide and provides stable, long-term income for our company," Nakilat said.Nakilat currently operates four modern LNG carriers and four LPG carriers (VLGCs), which are chartered to international clients and trade globally.Nakilat has undertaken 368 cargoes of LNG through its 69 LNG carriers delivering 28.32mn tonnes and 11 cargoes of LPG through is four LPG vessels delivering 0.47mn tonnes in the first half of this year.

Amidst rising expectations of interest rate cut in the US, the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.2% to 10,155.75 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,096 points
Business
QSE key index gains 20 points; M-cap adds QR1.17bn

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday gained more than 20 points as five of the seven sectors witnessed strong to moderate buying interests.Amidst rising expectations of interest rate cut in the US, the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.2% to 10,155.75 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,096 points.The telecom, real estate, transport, insurance and industrials counters saw higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.23%.As much as 49% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.17bn or 0.2% to QR587.77n on the back of small and microcap segments.The Arab individuals turned net buyers in the main market, which saw 1,220 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across two deals.The Gulf retail investors were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign funds’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the incline.The Total Return Index was up 0.2%, the All Islamic Index by 0.43% and the All Share Index by 0.15% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 2.09%, realty (0.79%), transport (0.43%), insurance (0.37%) and industrials (0.34%); while banks and financial services declined 0.19% and consumer goods and services 0.17%.Major movers in the main bourse included Ooredoo, Qatar Oman Investment, United Development Company, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Doha Insurance, Qamco, Al Khaleej Takaful, Mazaya Qatar and Nakilat. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Inma Holding, Beema, QIIB and Mannai Corporation were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the tune of QR4.06mn compared with net sellers of QR1.29mn on August 18.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the extent of QR0.2mn against net profit takers of QR0.36mn the previous day.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling declined substantially to QR2.73mn compared to QR12.04mn on Sunday.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR1.68mn against QR6.57mn on August 18.However, the foreign individuals’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR1.65mn compared to QR0.93mn the previous day.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the tune of QR0.04mn against no major net exposure on Sunday.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased considerably to QR1.36mn compared to QR14.42mn on August 18.The Gulf institutions’ net buying lessened notably to QR0.49mn against QR6.67mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market were up 1% to 95.34mn shares, value by 2% to QR224.76mn and transactions by 15% to 10,032.The venture market saw 82% plunge in trade volumes to 2.09mn equities and 80% in value to QR4.38mn but on 1% jump in deals to 148.

Gulf Times
Classified
QTerminals Kramer to build charging stations; pact with ZES

QTerminals Kramer is establishing charging stations at the Rotterdam Container Terminal (RCT) as part efforts towards greener operations.In this regard, QTerminals Kramer has entered into a new collaboration with Project ZES (Zero Emission Services), whose shareholders are Ebusco, ING, maritime technology company Wärtsilä and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.As part of this collaboration, ZES will introduce chargeable containers with advanced battery packs for inland vessels; QTerminals said in its social media handle X.QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam will build charging stations at the Rotterdam Container Terminal (RCT), in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, where these containers will be recharged and exchanged using eco-friendly harbour cranes.ZES offers a new energy system to make inland shipping more sustainable: a complete product and services package for emission-free sailing based on exchangeable battery containers with green electricity, charging stations, technical support and an innovative payment concept for barge owners.The exchangeable energy containers – ZESpacks – are charged with sustainably generated power. When depleted, skippers can quickly exchange the container – in 15 minutes – for a fully charged one at one of the exchange and charging stations, according to its website.The charging station can recharge two ZESpacks in parallel in just 2.5 hours. The stations are equipped with an “open access” network. This means that they are also suitable for rapidly charging trucks and buses and can act as energy hubs. They are standardised and were developed together with the battery containers.In September 2023, QTerminals had completed purchasing a majority stake in Kramer Holding, a provider of integrated logistics and container services located in the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.The Kramer Group is an integrated container handling and storage, terminal, container development and logistics services provider, located in the Port of Rotterdam, and is the only independent terminal in the Maasvlakte area, and one of the few multi-user depot terminals in the port.The acquisition of the Kramer Group by QTerminals allows its entry and presence in the largest port in Europe which makes QTerminals Group’s position stronger in relation to future opportunities in Europe and other developed global markets.

The domestic institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.1% to 10,135.37 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,157 points
Business
Realty and industrials lift QSE sentiments; Islamic stocks outperform

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining as much as 10 points on buying interests, especially in the real estate and industrials counters.The domestic institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.1% to 10,135.37 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,157 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net buying in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.42%.The foreign individuals weakened net selling had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.29bn or 0.05% to QR586.1bn on the back of microcap segments.However, the Qatari individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw 7,035 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across five deals.The foreign institutions turned net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab individuals were also seen bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the othe4r indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Total Return Index was up 0.1%, the All Islamic Index by 0.21% and the All Share Index by 0.02% in the main market.The realty sector index gained 0.48% and industrials 0.47%; while insurance declined 0.4%, telecom 0.31%, consumer goods and services 0.29%, transport 0.1% and banks and financial services 0.07%.As much as 48% of the stocks extended gains to investors in the main bourse with major movers being Inma Holding, Widam Food, Al Khaleej Takaful, Salam International Investment and Untied Development Company. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Zad Holding, Doha Insurance, Al Meera, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar National Cement and Ooredoo were among the shakers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic funds were net buyers to the tune of QR14.42mn compared with net sellers of QR2.21mn on August 15.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased marginally to QR6.67mn against QR6.04mn the previous trading day.The foreign individual investors’ net selling declined perceptibly to QR0.93mn compared to QR1.91mn last Thursday.However, the Qatari individuals’ net profit booking grew substantially to QR12.04mn against QR3.75mn on August 15.The foreign funds turned net sellers to the extent of QR6.57mn compared with net buyers of QR0.69mn the previous trading day.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR1.29mn against net buyers of QR0.34mn last Thursday.The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.36mn compared with net buyers of QR0.8mn on August 15.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 16% to 94.64mn shares, value by 21% to QR220.68mn and transactions by 31% to 8,750.In the venture market, trade volumes jumped more than 68-fold to 11.59mn equities and value by almost 67-fold to QR22.2mn on more than eight-fold growth in deals to 146.

The improvement in the overall profitability of the QSE-listed companies comes amidst challenging macroeconomic environment owing to geopolitical uncertainties and high interest rate environment
Business
QSE-listed firms’ net profit jump 5.51% y-o-y to QR25.73bn in H1-2024

The Qatar Stock Exchange-listed companies have displayed robust performance in the first six months of this year as their total net profits increased 5.51% against an 11.22% decline the previous year period, according to the bourse data.Doha's listed companies reported a cumulative net profit of QR25.73bn in H1-2024 with banks and industries contributing more than 76% to the total net earnings, said the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) data.The improvement in the overall profitability of the listed companies comes amidst challenging macroeconomic environment owing to geopolitical uncertainties and high interest rate environment.The H1-2024 net earnings growth was owing to substantial improvement in the profitability in the consumer goods and banking sectors, whose share in total earnings also grew comfortably.The consumer goods and services sector, which has 13 listed entities, saw its total net profit surge 22.78% year-on-year (y-o-y) to QR0.93bn at the end of six-month ended June 30, 2024 against 18.72% plunge in the comparable period of 2023. The sector contributed 3.61% to the overall net profitability in the review period against 3.08% in H1-2023.The banks and financial services sector, which has 13 listed entities, reported a 7.61% year-on-year jump in total net profit to QR14.91bn compared to 3.05% expansion year-ago period. The net profitability jump was on robust earnings of lenders amid high interest rate regime, brought about by fixed exchange parity with the US dollar.The sector contributed 57.95% to the total net profits of the listed companies in January-June 2024 against 56.83% the previous year period.The industrials sector, which has 10 listed constituents, saw a marginal 0.14% year-on-year growth in net profitability to QR4.65bn in the first six months of 2024 compared to a 45.89% decline in H1-2023. As many six of the listed industrials saw decline in net earnings on an annualised basis, even as certain underlying entities saw higher fortunes on account of demand revival and therefore higher realised prices across sectors.The sector contributed 18.07% to the overall net earnings of the listed entities in H1-2024 against 19.02% the comparable period in 2023.The insurance sector, which has seven companies, registered a 14.66% annual surge in net earnings to QR0.72bn against 71.31% growth in H1-2023. The sector contributed 2.8% to the overall net profitability in January-June 2024 against 2.58% the previous year period.The telecom sector, which has two constituents, reported net profit of QR2.16bn, which was 8.39% of the total net profits in H1-2024 against 8.41% the comparable period of 2023. The sector reported 5.35% growth in net profit in the first six months of this year compared to 19.86% a year-ago period.The transport sector, which has three listed constituents, saw total net profits grow 1.36% year-on-year to QR1.56bn compared to 3.47% growth in H1-2023. The sector's net profit constituted 6.06% to the total net profit of the listed companies in January-June 2024 against 6.31% in the comparable period of 2023.The realty segment, which has four listed entities, saw total net earnings plummet 12.32% year-on-year to QR0.8bn in H1-2024 against a 7.15% decline in 2023 period. The sector constituted 3.11% to the overall net profitability in January-June 2024 compared to 3.77% a year-ago period.

Gulf Times
Business
Qatar ranks third in Mena, fifth globally in National Entrepreneurship Context Index

Qatar has reported ‘significant’ growth in entrepreneurial activity with it ranking third in the region and fifth globally in National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), according to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2023/24 report.The report reflects a substantial jump in Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) and a rise in the Established Business Ownership Rate (EBO), particularly in the consumer services sector.The TEA increased to 14.3% against 10.7% the previous year, reflecting a growing interest in entrepreneurship within Qatari society, it said.Notably, 82.2% of the adults participating in the study in Qatar, view entrepreneurship as desirable career choice, the highest percentage recorded in the past five years.In collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) launched the GEM – Qatar National Report 2023/24.This annual study, produced in collaboration with the Global Consortium of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, led by Babson College in the US and London Business School, provides valuable insights and comparative data with other countries in the region and around the world.“The GEM report is an essential resource for understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurship in Qatar, including its achievements and challenges. The data and analyses provided in this report assist in formulating policies and strategies that support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said QDB chief executive officer Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi.Qatar also ranked third regionally in terms of Importance of social and environmental values, with the report noting that Qatari entrepreneurs consider these values particularly important in decision-making processes.Additionally, the report predicts substantial jump in the field of entrepreneurship in employment and international market exports, signalling a promising future for entrepreneurship in Qatar.“This year, we have seen Qatar achieve a score of 5.9 in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index, surpassing the global average of 4.7, placing it fifth globally and third in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). This progress motivates us to further develop our initiatives and programmes in line with the outcomes of the Third Qatar National Development Strategy and improving Qatar’s entrepreneurial environment ranking regionally and globally,” al-Sowaidi said.QDB provides access to this report to deliver accurate data and detailed analyses to support entrepreneurs and enhance their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Qatari and international markets.The report offers a comprehensive analysis of entrepreneurial activities, attitudes, and aspirations, serving as a vital resource for researchers and entrepreneurs aiming to deepen their understanding of entrepreneurship on a global scale.


The foreign funds were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled 0.37% higher at 10,108.2 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,130 points
Business
US inflation cooling lifts QSE sentiments as index gains 37 points

Reflecting the global sentiments in the wake of signs of inflation cooling in the US, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday gained about 37 points and its key index surpassed the 10,100 levels.The foreign funds were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled 0.37% higher at 10,108.2 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,130 points.The telecom, consumer goods and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.67%.As much as 50% of the traded stocks extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.75bn or 0.64% to QR588.85n on the back of midcap segments.The Arab individuals turned net buyers in the main market, which saw 0.04mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.1mn trade across 14 deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf individuals were also continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Total Return Index rose 0.37%, the All Islamic Index by 0.25% and the All Share Index by 0.49% in the main market. The telecom sector index shot up 3.51%, consumer goods and services (0.76%), banks and financial services (0.71%) and insurance (0.09%); while transport declined 0.75%, real estate (0.26%) and industrials (0.05%).Major gainers in the main bourse include Mannai Corporation, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, Al Meera, QLM, QNB, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Widam Food, Dukhan Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Nakilat and Barwa were among the shakers in the main market. The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.22mn compared with net sellers of QR7.27mn on August 13.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.65mn against net profit takers of QR1.24mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals’ net buying declined substantially to QR11.08mn compared to QR2.23mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.7mn against net buyers of QR1mn on August 13.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR0.45mn compared with net buyers of QR1.58mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net buying declined noticeably to QR0.35mn against QR4.34mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying shrank significantly to QR0.99mn compared to QR3.84mn on August 13. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market fell 14% to 102.42mn shares and value by 2% to QR295.49mn, while transactions were up 3% to 14,223.The venture market saw 51% contraction in trade volumes to 0.82mn equities, 52% in value to QR1.62mn and 43% in deals to 57.

The foreign institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.22% to 10,071.4 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,026 points
Business
Foreign funds’ higher net profit booking weakens QSE sentiments

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday fell more than 22 points on selling pressure particularly in the consumer goods, industrials, realty and transport counters.The foreign institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.22% to 10,071.4 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,026 points.The local retail investors were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 7.01%.More than 69% of the traded stocks were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted added QR1.34bn or 0.23% to QR582.1bn on the back of microcap segments.The Arab individuals turned bearish in the main market, which saw 4,680 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn trade across two deals.However, the Gulf institutions were seen increasingly into net buying in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions were also increasing bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index shed 0.22%, the All Islamic Index by 0.41% and the All Share Index by 0.13% in the main market.The consumer goods and services sector index declined 0.81%, industrials (0.68%), transport (0.62%), real estate (0.58%) and telecom (0.21%); while banks and financial services gained 0.3% and insurance 0.19%.Major shakers in the main bourse included Widam Food, Ahlibank Qatar, QLM, Inma Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan, Woqod, Baladna, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Ezdan and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Doha Insurance, Zad Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Vodafone Qatar and Al Faleh Educational Holding were among the movers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased markedly to QR7.27mn compared to QR2.61mn on August 12.The Qatari individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.23mn against net buyers of QR2.26mn on Monday.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR1.24mn compared with net buyers of QR1.82mn the previous day.However, the Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR4.34mn against QR0.22mn on August 12.The domestic institutions’ net buying expanded significantly to QR3.84mn compared to QR0.08mn on Monday.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.58mn against net sellers of QR1.79mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR1mn compared with net profit takers of QR0.11mn on August 12.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.08mn on Monday.Trade volumes in the main market rose 20% to 118.88mn shares, value by 19% to QR303.23mn and transactions by 14% to 13,767.The venture market saw 17% decline in trade volumes to 1.67mn equities, 23% in value to QR3.37mn and 46% in deals to 100.

Gregory Hughes, EY Mena IPO Leader.
Business
Mena region to see another 23 IPOs this year: EY

The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) is set to see another 23 initial public offers (IPOs), including 16 from private companies, this year, according to Ernst and Young (EY).The IPO activity in the Mena region remained resilient with 14 maiden offers raising $2.64bn during the second quarter (Q2) of this year, EY said, adding the number of IPOs increased from the 13 in Q2-2023, with a corresponding increase in proceeds of 45.3% against the comparative quarter."The remainder of 2024 is set to see robust activity in the IPO market, with an additional 16 private companies and seven funds across various sectors intending to list on the Mena exchanges," the global consultant said.Of the companies intending to list this year, as many as 14 are in Saudi Arabia, including Riyad Capital, United International Holding and Arabian Mills for Food Products. One company in the UAE has also obtained approval to list, alongside Go Bus in Egypt."There is a continued focus on economic diversification away from oil and gas, with the Mena region continuing to see listings from a variety of sectors including health care, education, consumer goods and professional services. As we enter a phase of declining interest rates and continue to witness major country elections around the world, we will monitor with interest the subsequent impact on regional markets and IPO activity,” said Gregory Hughes, EY Mena IPO Leader.During Q2-2024 Dr Soliman Abdul Kader Fakeeh Hospital was listed on the Tadawul main market, raising the highest proceeds of the quarter – $764mn – and contributing 29% of the overall IPO proceeds. This was followed by Alef Education Consultancy with its listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), which contributed 19.5% of proceeds with the $515mn raised."Increased liquidity driven by higher oil prices, economic recovery, and positive market sentiment has kept the IPO activity in the region buoyant with a strong pipeline for the second half of 2024,” according to Brad Watson, EY Mena Strategy and Transactions Leader.As many as eight out of the 14 Mena IPOs listed in Q2-2024 had shown a positive return (as of June 30, 2024) in terms of their share price in comparison with the IPO price, with Miahona Company achieving the highest gain of 90.4% within the period.Stock exchanges across the Mena region exhibited varied performances. MSCI Emerging Markets Index ended Q2-2024 with a gain of 4.2%, making it the top-performing market in the GCC or Gulf Co-operation Council, followed by 1% gain in Qatar Stock Exchange (QE) general index.Globally, IPO activity declined in Q2-2024 on an annualised basis as the number of IPOs dropped 15% from 317 to 271, and proceeds by 31% to $27.8bn from $40.4bn.The EMEIA region, however, made a remarkable comeback, with inflation approaching ‘normal’ levels, interest rates falling, stock markets rallying to hit all-time highs, and volatility remaining low. This comeback saw the region regain the top global IPO market share by number – 45% of deal volume and 46% of value - for the first time in 16 years.

The local retail investors were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.16% to 10,098.52 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,054 points
Business
QSE gains 16 points; M-cap adds QR1.66bn

The bullish momentum continued in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) for the second straight session, ahead of the US and Chinese economic data, as the index gained more than 16 points and capitalisation added QR1.66bn.The local retail investors were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.16% to 10,098.52 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,054 points.The Arab individuals were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.8%.The Gulf institutions were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added 0.29% to QR583.44bn on the back of small cap segments.The Arab funds turned net buyers in the main market, which saw 4,737 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn trade across four deals.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net selling also had its say in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Total Return Index rose 0.28%, the All Islamic Index by 0.04% and the All Share Index by 0.32% in the main market.The insurance sector index shot up 1.72%, banks and financial services (0.59%), consumer goods and services (0.34%) and industrials (0.26%); while transport declined 0.67%, real estate (0.66%) and telecom (0.64%).Major gainers in the main bourse included QIIB, Qatar Insurance, QLM, Dukhan Bank, Mannai Corporation and Doha Insurance. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, 66% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers being Qatar National Cement, Woqod, Vodafone Qatar, Inma Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Qamco and Barwa. In the juniour bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The Qatari individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.26mn against net sellers of QR5.37mn on August 11.The Arab individuals’ net buying increased noticeably to QR1.82mn compared to QR0.84mn the previous day.The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.08mn against no major net exposure on Sunday.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking declined markedly to QR2.61mn compared to QR4.51mn on August 11.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.22mn against net profit takers of QR1.48mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling decreased marginally to QR0.11mn compared to QR0.49mn on Sunday.However, the foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR1.79mn against net buyers of QR1.4mn on August 11.The domestic institutions’ net buying shrank significantly to QR0.08mn compared to QR9.61mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 16% to 99.48mn shares, while value gained 15% to QR254.99mn and transactions by 43% to 12,069.The venture market saw more than quadrupled trade volumes to 2.02mn equities and value quadrupled to QR4.4mn on almost tripled deals to 185.

The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.24% to 10,077.32 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,045 points
Business
QSE opens week strong as index gains 24 points; M-cap adds QR1.75bn

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining more than 24 points on the back of buying interests especially in the industrials and real estate sectors.The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.24% to 10,077.32 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,045 points.The Arab individuals were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.96%.As much as 65% of traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.75bn or 0.3% to QR581.78bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The local retail investors’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.13mn trade across 13 deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the key index in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index rose 0.24%, the All Islamic Index by 0.22% and the All Share Index by 0.2% in the main market.The industrials sector index gained 0.5%, realty (0.5%), consumer goods and services (0.33%), banks and financial services (0.31%) and telecom (0.3%); while insurance declined 1.73% ad transport 0.7%.Major gainers in the main bourse included Doha Bank, Salam International Investment, Alijarah Holding, Zad Holding, Ahlibank Qatar, Inma Holding, Medicare Group, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qamco, Ezdan and Vodafone Qatar. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar Insurance, Meeza, Mazaya Qatar, Milaha and Al Meera were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign retail investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR1.4mn compared to QR0.3mn on August 8.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.84mn against net sellers of QR1.04mn last Thursday.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling decreased noticeably to QR5.37mn compared to QR16.17mn the previous day.However, the foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR4.51mn against QR3.71mn on August 8.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking expanded perceptibly to QR1.48mn compared to QR0.29mn last Thursday.The Gulf individuals turned net selling increased marginally to QR0.49mn against QR0.19mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying shrank drastically to QR9.61mn compared to QR20.97mn on August 8.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.13mn last Thursday.Trade volumes in the main market rose 32% to 118.08mn shares, while value was down 7% to QR221.35mn and transactions by 23% to 8,443.The venture market saw 77% contraction in trade volumes to 0.51mn equities, 77% in value to QR1.1mn and 51% in deals to 68.

Qatar reported a robust year-on-year growth in private vehicles as the country's automobile sector saw as many as 6,333 new registrations in June 2024, according to the National Planning Council data
Business
Qatar sees brisk sales of new private vehicles in June 2024: NPC

Qatar reported a robust year-on-year growth in private vehicles as the country's automobile sector saw as many as 6,333 new registrations in June 2024, according to the National Planning Council (NPC) data.The new registration of vehicles however registered a 1.9% and 28.9% decline year-on-year and month-on-month decline in the review period, which saw a total of 6,333 driving licenses issued with non-Qatari males constituting 5,384 or 80% of the total, non-Qatari females 899 or 13%, Qatari males 360 or 5% and Qatari females 108 or 2%.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 5,145; which shot up 15.2% on an annualised basis but shrank 29.6% on monthly basis in June 2024. Such vehicles constituted 81.24% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.As many as 42 trailers were registered in June 2024, which zoomed 44.8% year-on-year but fell 12.5% month-on-month. These constituted 0.67% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 884; which tanked 22.5% and 24% on annualised and monthly basis respectively in June 2024. Such vehicles constituted 13.96% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 146 units, which decreased 33% and 8.2% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in June 2024. These constituted 2.31% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 91, which constituted 1.44% of the total registrations this June. Their registrations had seen 22.9% and 43.1% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 25 units, which plummeted 96% and 60.3% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2024. They constituted 0.39% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration was renewed in 70,555 vehicles, which saw a 4.9% jump on a yearly basis but shrank 5.9% month-on-month in June 2024. It constituted 55.63% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was reported in 30,245 vehicles in June 2024, which declined 8.8% and 13.2% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. It constituted 23.85% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The lost/damaged vehicles stood at 11,030 units, which shot up 215.8% on an annualised basis but was down 2.9% month-on-month in June 2024. They constituted 8.7% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 3,255; gaining 129.4% and 20.6% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2024. They constituted 2.57% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 2,934; which tanked 33.4% and 26.5% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in June 2024. They constituted 2.31% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,349 units, which zoomed 13.2% on a yearly basis but declined 12.3% on a monthly basis in June 2024. It constituted 1.85% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The re-registration was done in 119 vehicles, which shot up 16.7% year-on-year but dipped 15.6% month-on-month this June. They constituted 0.09% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 126,835 units, which grew 7% year-on-year but contracted 9.2% on a monthly basis in the review period.

The foreign funds were seen squaring off their position as the 20-stock Qatar Index decline 0.77% this week
Business
US recession fears loom large as QSE index falls 78 points

Recession fears in the US and widening conflict in the Arab region had their repercussions in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) this week which saw the index plummet 78 points and capitalisation melt QR5.78bn.The foreign funds were seen squaring off their position as the 20-stock Qatar Index decline 0.77% this week which saw the Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing managers’ index reveal that output and new orders grew at solid pace at the start of July 2024 as demand strengthened in Doha's non-energy economy, while finance sector remained ‘bright spot’.The real estate, telecom and transport counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure this week which saw Hamad Port exceed 10mn container handling since it started operations.The Gulf institutions’ strengthened net profit booking had its influence in the main bourse this week which saw Nakilat report net profit of QR829.15mn in the first half (H1) of 2024.The Arab individuals’ higher net selling pressure also had its say in the main market this week, which saw Qatar Electricity and Water Company report net profit of QR680mn in H1-2024.The foreign retail investors were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week which saw Qamco’s H1-2024 net profit at QR236.91mn.The Qatari individuals continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market this week which saw the Qatar Insurance undertake restructuring of its UK motor insurance business.The Gulf individuals were seen increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse this week which saw Ooredoo report net profit of QR1.87bn in January-June 2024.The domestic funds were increasingly net buyers in the main market this week which saw a total of 0.14mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.29mn trade across 36 deals.The Arab funds were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.04mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.36mn change hands across 29 transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute about 58% of the total trade volumes.Market capitalisation eroded 0.99% to QR580.03bn on the back of large and small cap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.In the case of venture market, trade turnover and volumes were seen on an upward path this week, which saw Estithmar Holding report net profit of QR221.05mn in H1-2024.The Total Return Index declined 0.77%, the All Share Index by 0.83% and the All Islamic Index by 1.12% this week which saw Qatar's hospitality sector report improved room yield and occupancy, especially in five-star and deluxe hotel apartment categories, amidst double digit year-on-year growth in visitors, particularly from the Gulf, Europe and the Americas.The realty sector index tanked 3.99%, telecom (1.33%), transport (1.01%), banks and financial services (0.72%), industrials (0.71%) and consumer goods and services (0.36%); while insurance was up 0.09% this week which saw Barwa report net profit of QR40.8mn in H1-2024.As much as 83% of the traded constituents were in the red with main shakers being Gulf International Services, Inma Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Ezdan, Commercial Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar German Medical Devices, Aamal Company, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Salam International Investment, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatari Investors Group and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Industries Qatar, Woqod, Doha Bank and Qatar Insurance were among the gainers in the main market. In the juniour bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week.The foreign funds were net sellers to the tune of QR68.33mn against net buyers of QR88.05mn the week ended August 1.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR87.3mn compared to QR29.1mn the previous week.The Arab individual investors’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR19.21mn against QR17.52mn a week ago.The foreign retail investors’ net selling grew noticeably to QR7.34mn compared to QR5.33mn the week ended August 1.However, the domestic funds’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR226.6mn against QR18.97mn the previous week.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the extent of QR0.37mn compared with net profit takers of QR0.35mn a week ago.The local individuals’ net profit booking declined markedly to QR37.33mn against QR46.5mn the week ended August 1.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling shrank notably to QR6.9mn compared to QR8.22mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 28% surge in trade volumes to 727.63mn shares, 27% in value to QR1.96bn and 23% in deals to 73,586 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes soared 10% to 5.76mn equities and value by 9% to QR11.72mn, while transactions were down 5% to 408.

As much as 70% of traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added 0.35% to QR580.99n on the back of small cap segments.
Business
QSE sees 70% stocks gain as index settles 28 points higher; M-cap adds QR2bn

Reflecting the global optimism in view of receding fears of recession in the US, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday gained about 28 points in its key index and QR2bn in capitalisation.The real estate, consumer goods, insurance and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.28% to 10,076.81 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,024 points.The Arab individuals were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.96%.As much as 70% of traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added 0.35% to QR580.99n on the back of small cap segments.The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market, which saw 0.04mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.13mn trade across five deals.The Gulf funds lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Total Return Index rose 0.28%, the All Islamic Index by 0.6% and the All Share Index by 0.32% in the main market.The realty sector index gained 0.91%, consumer goods and services (0.85%), insurance (0.84%), industrials (0.57%) and banks and financial services (0.25%); while telecom and transport declined 0.45% and 0.32% respectively.Major gainers in the main bourse included Widam Food, Inma Holding, Qamco, QLM, Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Baladna, Mannai Corporation, Qatar National Cement, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Aamal Company and Vodafone Qatar.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatari Investors Group, Ooredoo, Meeza, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat were among the shakers in the main market.The Arab retail investors’ net buying increased significantly to QR14.58mn compared to QR1.58mn on August 6.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.88mn against net profit takers of QR3.75mn on Tuesday.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened considerably to QR5.29mn compared to QR24.88mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased markedly to QR9.45mn against QR13.83mn on August 6.However, the Qatari individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR10.3mn compared with net buyers of QR6.58mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined drastically to QR6.61mn against QR28.28mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR2.97mn compared to QR6.01mn on August 6.The Arab funds had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 19% to 167.82mn shares, while value was down 3% to QR373.32mn and transactions by 11% to 13,854.The venture market saw a 67% surge in trade volumes to 1.54mn equities and 74% in value to QR3.12mn on more than seven-fold jump in deals to 160.

The real estate, telecom, banks and insurance counters experienced higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index edged down 0.08% to 10,049 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 9,983 points
Business
QSE sees gainers outnumber losers, but settles marginally lower

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on tuesday witnessed more than 63% of the traded constituents make gains but overall it settled marginally lower.The real estate, telecom, banks and insurance counters experienced higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index edged down 0.08% to 10,049 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 9,983 points.The Gulf individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 7.22%.The domestic funds’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.08bn or 0.01% to QR578.99n on the back of microcap segments.The Gulf institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.18mn trade across 15 deals.The foreign funds also continued to be net profit takers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Total Return Index was down 0.08%, the All Islamic Index by 0.17% and the All Share Index by 0.08% in the main market.The realty sector index shrank 0.3%, telecom (0.3%), banks and financial services (0.29%), insurance (0.13%) and transport (0.09%); while industrials gained 0.39% and consumer goods and services 0.29%.Major shakers in the main bourse included Beema, United Development Company, Commercial Bank, QNB, Industries Qatar and Ooredoo. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Dlala, Qatar German Medical Devices, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Doha Bank, Gulf International Services, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Mannai Corporation, Qatari Investors Group, Aamal Company, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Mazaya Qatar were among the movers in the main market.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking increased perceptibly to QR3.75mn compared to QR0.71mn on August 5.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined drastically to QR28.28mn against QR127.26mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR6.58mn compared with net sellers of QR1mn on Monday.The foreign individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR6.01mn against net sellers of QR13.67mn on August 5.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.58mn compared with net sellers of QR18.43mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased substantially to QR13.83mn against QR56.13mn on Monday.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened considerably to QR24.88mn compared to QR37.46mn on August 5.The Arab funds had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.12mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 22% to 141.44mn shares, value by 35% to QR383mn and transactions by 25% to 15,539.The venture market saw 10% jump in trade volumes to 0.92mn equities and 12% in value to QR1.79mn but on 61% decline in deals to 22.

Qatar's hospitality sector painted a rosy picture in June 2024 on improved room yield and occupancy, especially in five-star and deluxe hotel apartment categories, amidst double digit year-on-year growth in visitors, particularly from the Gulf, Europe and the Americas, according to estimates by National Planning Council.
Business
Qatar hotels register improved room yield in June as visitors record double-digit annual growth: NPC

Qatar's hospitality sector painted a rosy picture in June 2024 on improved room yield and occupancy, especially in five-star and deluxe hotel apartment categories, amidst double digit year-on-year growth in visitors, particularly from the Gulf, Europe and the Americas, according to the official estimates.The visitor arrivals witnessed a strong double-digit jump year-on-year in the review period, according to figures released by the National Planning Council. Visitor arrivals are those non-residents travelling to Qatar on a short-term basis for all purposes, including arrivals at borders under 15 different visit visa classes and also include business and leisure visa types while excluding work visas.Qatar witnessed 316,346 visitor arrivals in June 2024, registering 12.2% and 0.9% growth on yearly and monthly basis respectively in the review period. Visitors arriving by flight reported a 3.54% year-on-year jump in June 2024, land by 25.17% and sea by 10.49%.The visitor arrivals from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) were 148,937 or 47% of the total; followed by other Asia (including Oceania) 71,417 (23%), Europe 46,124 (15%), other Arab countries 21,495 (7%), the Americas 21,102 (7%) and other African countries 7,271 (2%) in June 2024.On an annualised basis, the visitor arrivals from other European countries were seen soaring 30.2%, other African countries by 28.9%, the GCC by 25.6% and the Americas by 17%; while those coming from other Arab countries and other Asia (including Oceania) declined 18.2% and 8.5% respectively in June 2024.On a month-on-month basis, the visitor arrivals from the GCC and other African countries shot up 17.3% and 11.1% respectively, whereas those from Europe shrank 24.7%, other Arab countries by 8.4%, the Americas by 4.7% and other Asia (including Oceania) by 2.5% in the review period.Qatar's hospitality sector saw a 10.45% year-on-year surge in room yield to QR243 in June 2024 as average room rate was up 1% to QR406 and occupancy by 5% to 60%.The five-star hotels' room yield zoomed 7.85% year-on-year to QR316 as occupancy improved by 4% to 53% even as the average room rate shrank 1.33% to QR595 in the review period.The four-star hotels room yield enhanced 5.74% on a yearly basis to QR129 as the occupancy improved 7% to 61%, even as the average room rate fell 6.17% to QR213 in June 2024.However, the three-star hotels' room yield fell 4.62% on an annualised basis to QR124 this June as average room rate decreased by 4.02% to QR167 amidst flat occupancy at 75%.The two-star and one-star hotels reported 13.97% year-on-year contraction in room yield to QR117 as the average room rate shrank 4.58% to QR146 and the occupancy by 9% to 80% in June this year.The deluxe hotel apartments registered a 24.74% year-on-year surge in room yield to QR237 as occupancy improved 10% to 68% and average room rate by 6.12% to QR347 in June 2024.In the case of standard hotel apartments, room yield plummeted 26.51 on an annualised basis to QR122 in June 2024 with occupancy plunging 21% to 55% as average room rate was up 2.23% to QR224.

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